Venezuela declares state of emergency as twin quakes kill at least 32
Back-to-back magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes strike west of Moron, causing widespread devastation in Caracas and prompting an immediate international humanitarian response.
Twin earthquakes measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck west of Moron, Venezuela, on 24 June 2026, killing at least 32 people and injuring approximately 700. The seismic events, which occurred within a minute of each other, caused significant structural damage and building collapses in and around Caracas, prompting Acting President Delcy Rodriguez to declare a state of emergency.
The United States Geological Survey confirmed the magnitudes and warned that high casualties and extensive damage were probable. In response to the disaster, Rodriguez ordered healthcare workers to report to hospitals and closed Simon Bolivar International Airport due to damage. Critical infrastructure in the capital has been severely disrupted, with subway services and natural gas supplies interrupted, while the Ministry of Education cancelled classes for several days.
The United States announced an immediate deployment of search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the active deployment, while President Donald Trump stated the US “stands ready, willing, and able to help” and instructed government agencies to prepare for rapid movement.
Regional neighbours have also moved to assist. Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa announced the rapid deployment of humanitarian aid to Caracas, while El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele confirmed that 300 rescuers, paramedics, and 50 tonnes of equipment are ready to depart. Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva instructed the Foreign Ministry to evaluate assistance, and Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stated that Cuban health workers in Venezuela are fully mobilised.
Leaders from across the Americas and Europe expressed solidarity and offered support. Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino, Uruguay’s President Yamandu Orsi, and Argentina’s President Javier Milei extended condolences, with Milei noting his hand was extended despite political differences. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed deep concern and pledged emergency assistance or solidarity to the affected population.
