CARACAS — Two earthquakes struck Venezuela on the night of Wednesday, June 24, 2026, killing at least 164 people and injuring nearly 1,000. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency the following day and announced the closure of Caracas's airport due to heavy damage.

The first earthquake, a magnitude 7.2 tremor, struck shortly after 6 p.m. near the town of San Felipe, approximately 100 miles west of Caracas. A second earthquake, measuring magnitude 7.5, occurred 39 seconds later near the town of Yumare. The U.S. Geological Survey stated that high casualties and widespread damage were probable following the seismic events. Strong aftershocks remain possible, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Acting President Rodríguez stated that 20 aftershocks had been recorded. Videos from the aftermath showed people, including children, being pulled from debris. Footage from La Guaira showed young children climbing over piles of rubble. In Caraballeda, medical students assisted in freeing a man pinned under the beams of a collapsed restaurant. The Central University of Venezuela shared a video on X depicting individuals lifting debris off a trapped man.

Nelson Ospedales, a Caracas resident, reported that his home in the Altamira neighborhood partially collapsed. Ospedales stated, "Material possessions can be recovered, but at this moment, the competent authorities — such as firefighters and civil defense — have been completely overwhelmed." He added, "They need more personnel. Hospitals have become severely congested."

Following the earthquakes, the United States, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, China, France, Cuba, and El Salvador offered assistance. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodríguez. U.S. search-and-rescue teams are being deployed from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles. Acting President Rodríguez thanked the U.S. administration and stated that it had been in "permanent contact" with the Venezuelan government.