Venezuela declares state of emergency as twin quakes kill 32; US, China, and Spain pledge aid

Two powerful earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck Venezuela within a minute of each other on 24 June 2026, causing widespread damage and building collapses in and around Caracas. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez reported at least 32 deaths and 700 injuries, with the toll expected to rise as rescue teams access collapsed areas. The United States, China, and Spain have pledged immediate humanitarian assistance and rescue support.

The tremors, which occurred shortly after 18:00 local time, had epicentres located west of Moron on the Caribbean coast. The US Geological Survey revised the magnitude of the first quake from 7.1 to 7.2, noting a depth of 22km, while the second quake, measuring 7.5, had a depth of 10km. Rodriguez described the state of La Guaira as a "disaster zone" and noted that casualty figures currently exclude this area.

Infrastructure failures were immediate, with Simon Bolivar International Airport closing and interruptions to subway and natural gas services in Caracas. Rodriguez declared a state of emergency and announced that school classes would be cancelled for several days, with some school buildings repurposed as shelters. She urged health care professionals to report to hospitals to assist the injured.

International responses were swift. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the US is "immediately deploying" search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian aid at the direction of President Trump. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated China is willing to provide "what help it can" and confirmed no casualties among Chinese citizens. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares offered full support and emergency aid supplies.

Eyewitness accounts from Caracas residents Hector Ricci and Roberto Gamas described the intensity of the shaking and the subsequent panic. Ricci noted the shaking started gently before growing, forcing residents outside, while Gamas described the force as "incredibly strong." The lack of cellphone signal in parts of Venezuela has deepened the distress of many families, particularly those among the more than 7.7 million people who have left the country during its protracted crisis.