Big Earthquakes Hit Venezuela
Friday, 2026/06/26153 words2 minutes1154 reads
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela near its capital Caracas on Wednesday evening, killing at least 235 people and injuring over 4,300. The first 7.2-magnitude quake was followed seconds later by an even stronger 7.5-magnitude tremor. Both occurred close to the surface, making the destruction more severe.
Rescuers are racing against time to find survivors trapped under collapsed buildings in Caracas and the coastal city of La Guaira. About 250 buildings were damaged or destroyed, mostly in La Guaira, where a 10-storey hotel was reduced to rubble. The earthquakes hit at 18:04 local time during a national holiday, meaning more people were at home than usual.
The disaster has prompted international support, with the United States pledging $150 million in aid and sending military transport and rescue teams. Other countries including Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador have also offered assistance. Experts warn the death toll may rise significantly as rescue operations continue.
