On June 24, 2026, two powerful earthquakes struck north-central Venezuela near the capital of Caracas. The earthquakes occurred within seconds of each other and triggered widespread shaking across the country. The disaster killed at least 188 people, injured some 1,500, and trapped hundreds beneath collapsed buildings. Authorities continue to assess the full impact as search-and-rescue operations continue to locate hundreds of people still missing.
Venezuela earthquakes: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
- Fast Facts: 2026 Venezuela earthquakes
- Where did the earthquakes occur?
- How severe is the damage?
- What is known about casualties?
- What are the most urgent needs?
- How is World Vision responding?
- How can I help people impacted by the Venezuela earthquake?
Fast Facts: 2026 Venezuela earthquakes
- Twin earthquakes struck Venezuela less than a minute apart on June 24, 2026.
- The earthquakes measured approximately 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
- The earthquakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century.
- The epicenters were near Morón on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, about 100 miles west of Caracas, the capital.
- The second earthquake occurred roughly 39 seconds after the first in what seismologists describe as a “doublet” event.
- Strong shaking caused buildings to collapse in Caracas and other communities, trapping people beneath rubble.
- Venezuelan authorities are conducting frantic search-and-rescue operations across affected areas as the death toll rises. At least 188 people have died, more than 1,500 have been injured, and many are still missing.
Where did the earthquakes occur?
The earthquakes were centered near the coastal region west of the capital city of Caracas, with strong shaking felt across the capital and several surrounding states. Damage has been reported in Caracas, La Guaira, and other nearby communities.
How severe is the damage?
National emergency services, firefighters, police, medical personnel, and local volunteers have been mobilized to conduct rescue operations, provide emergency care, and support affected communities. International partners are also monitoring the situation and assessing how they can assist.
Emergency assessments are still underway. Initial reports describe collapsed buildings, damaged hospitals, transportation disruptions, and impacts to critical infrastructure. Rescue teams are searching for people trapped in debris while authorities continue to assess the full extent of the destruction.
One resident described sudden and intense shaking as the earthquakes struck with little warning.
“We are deeply shaken and frightened,” said María Andreína Pernalete, a resident of Caracas and communications manager for World Vision in Venezuela. “I was with my 2-year-old baby, my mother, and my husband. I received an alert just a few seconds before everything started shaking, and we gathered under a column.”
She described damage to her building and said her family was unable to return home due to safety concerns.
“We had to move to a nearby convent where we are staying now, because of the damage our building suffered — we can’t go back,” she said. “We are very shaken by what happened. We hope the number of affected people is minimal; we are praying for the families who are suffering.”
What is known about casualties?
The death toll continues to rise following the devastation, with at least 188 fatalities reported. More than 1,500 people have been injured, and hundreds remain missing. Emergency responders and civil protection authorities are actively inspecting damaged structures, conducting rescue operations, and assessing the impact on affected communities.
What are the most urgent needs?
In the immediate aftermath of a major earthquake, affected families often need:
- Emergency shelter
- Safe drinking water
- Food assistance
- Medical care
- Hygiene supplies
- Child protection and psychosocial support
- Temporary learning spaces for children
Needs assessments are ongoing and may change as more information becomes available.
How is World Vision responding?
World Vision is responding to the disaster and has activated its incident teams and is prioritizing the safety and well-being of staff and their families while assessing impacts on communities.
“At times like this, our primary concern is the safety and well-being of every member of our team and their families,” said Peter Gape, World Vision’s national director for Colombia and Venezuela. “We are in constant contact with our staff in the affected areas to assess their situation, provide the necessary assistance, and ensure they have the support they need. We offer our prayers for all those affected by this earthquake and reaffirm our commitment to respond with solidarity, hope, and compassion in the face of this emergency.”
World Vision’s current actions include:
- Accounting for all staff members and their families
- Monitoring conditions across affected regions
- Coordinating response efforts between teams in Venezuela and Colombia
- Conducting safety assessments of offices and facilities
- Gathering information on community impacts and humanitarian needs
- Preparing for emergency response activities as assessments are completed
