Venezuela's president declares state of emergency after country suffers two massive earthquakes. Follow live.

Buildings collapse after back-to-back quakes rock Venezuela Published June 25, 2026last updated June 25, 2026What you need to know - Two major quakes struck central Venezuela seconds apart, one with a magnitude 7.2 and the other with a magnitude 7.5 - Venezuela's president has declared a state of emergency - Extensive damage reported in the capital, Caracas - High casualties are probable, USGS says - Tremors also felt in neighboring Colombia Follow along for the latest news out of Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24: Venezuela's president declares state of emergency, confirms fatalities Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez has declared a state of emergency after massive earthquakes destroyed buildings in Caracas. Accompanied by her brother Jorge, who is the head of the National Assembly, and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, Rodriguez said that she was extending her condolences to the families of those who "sadly suffered the loss of a family member." She did not provide a death toll or the number of people injured. Rodriguez explained that rescue efforts are now the top priority, adding that school classes would be suspended and train services would be halted. She said that the Simon Bolivar Airport in Maiquetia, near Caracas, is closed due to damage. US Embassy issues safety alert to citizens The United States Embassy in Caracas said it was "closely monitoring" the situation after two powerful quakes hit central Venezuela on Wednesday. The US Embassy urged American citizens in a post on X to "avoid damaged areas and do not enter damaged buildings" and "seek secure shelter." The embassy also asked people to monitor both the US State Department website and local media. The two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 destroyed buildings in Caracas and drove people into the streets. Tsunami warning for nearby islands issued, but quickly withdrawn The US Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami warning for Puerto Rico and the US and British Virgin Islands after the earthquake. It said hazardous waves could affect Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire as well. However, the warning was withdrawn about an hour later. Twin quakes bring back memories of deadly 1967 quake "This earthquake was horrible, even worse than the one in 1967," Maria Romero, an 80-year-old pensioner from southern Caracas, told Reuters after two quakes struck the center of the country on Wednesday. In 1967, Caracas was struck by a devastating magnitude 6.3 earthquake, which left more than 1,500 people injured and between 225 and 300 people dead. Even deadlier earthquakes struck Venezuela in the 19th century. According to the USGS, an estimated 30,000 people were killed by a powerful earthquake that caused widespread destruction in Merida and Caracas in 1812. Venezuela is located in an area of seismic activity where the Caribbean Plate and the South American Plate meet. IN PICTURES: Successive earthquakes cause havoc in Caracas Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez to address nation ActingVenezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez said she will address the nation soon. Rodriguez said in a post on X that she will report on the situation following the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakesthat hit the country on Wednesday. The quakes are among the strongest seismic events globally so far this year, according to United States Geological Survey (USGS). Interior minister urges Venezuelans to remain outside Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello described the situation in the country following the earthquakes as "extremely alarming." He said that some buildings had collapsed and urged residents to take shelter. Cabello urged people to stay outside, warning that aftershocks were likely to occur and could cause additional structural damage to already weakened buildings. As a precaution to prevent explosions, officials also ordered gas supplies to be shut off. "We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most," Cabello said on state television. "Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed." He also suggested people were injured in the earthquake and asked motorists to give way to ambulances and other emergency vehicles. 'High casualties' likely in Venezuela, USGS says Strong earthquakes brought buildings down in Caracas. Venezuelan authorities did not immediately provide estimates of deaths or injuries. What we know so far about the quakes in Venezuela A 7.2-magnitude earthquake shook Venezuela on Wednesday evening, swaying buildings and homes in the capital of Caracas. The quake had a depth of 13 kilometers. A second, even larger earthquake measuring 7.5 magnitude hit the same area just 39 seconds after the first quake. The second quake had a depth of 10 kilometers. Follow along.