At least 32 killed after powerful 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes strike Venezuela

At least 32 people have died and around 700 others were injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday (24 June 2026) evening.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquakes measured magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 and occurred less than a minute apart off Venezuela's northwestern coast.

According to AP, the earthquakes were among the strongest recorded in Venezuela in more than a century.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez later declared a state of emergency, warning that the death toll could rise as rescue teams continued searching collapsed buildings and reaching affected communities.

Buildings collapse as rescue operations continue

According to CBS News, La Guaira state on Venezuela's northern coast appeared to be the worst-hit area.

Rodríguez said dozens of buildings had collapsed and described the state as a disaster zone.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said collapsed homes and damaged buildings were reported in several areas, including parts of the capital Caracas.

Videos shared online showed residents fleeing buildings, while debris, fallen utility poles and damaged structures were seen across affected areas.

Parts of Caracas also experienced power outages and disruptions to mobile phone services.

Airport closed and schools suspended

Authorities announced the closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport, also known as Maiquetía Airport, after the earthquakes caused damage.

Rodríguez said classes across the country would be suspended for several days, while some schools would be converted into temporary shelters and aid collection centres.

She also urged healthcare workers nationwide to report to hospitals to assist with emergency response efforts.

International aid offers begin

Several countries offered assistance following the disaster.

According to CBS News, the United States announced plans to deploy search teams, medical resources and humanitarian assistance.

Offers of support were also reported from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama and Uruguay.

The earthquakes were felt beyond Venezuela, including in parts of Colombia and Brazil.

Temporary tsunami advisories were issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands before later being lifted.

Earthquakes also reported in Japan

Separately, northern Japan was struck by a magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Thursday morning.

According to The Japan Times, at least six people were injured following the quake, which registered an upper 6 on Japan's seismic intensity scale in the town of Hashikami in Aomori Prefecture.

No tsunami warning was issued.

Rail services, including portions of the Tohoku Shinkansen network, were temporarily suspended, while authorities warned residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks over the coming days.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said there was no tsunami threat but urged residents in affected areas to remain cautious.

Northern California experiences strongest quake in decades

Meanwhile, Northern California experienced a magnitude 5.6 earthquake near the town of Willits on Wednesday morning.

According to ABC News, officials described it as the strongest earthquake recorded in the area since 1940.

Hospitals reported several injuries, though authorities said no major damage had been identified immediately after the quake.

More than 6,000 residents experienced power outages across several towns near the epicentre.

Seismologist Lucy Jones said the region does experience earthquakes but events of this magnitude are uncommon.

Authorities continue assessing damage in all three affected regions.