Chaos erupted across Venezuela following a devastating double earthquake measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale. The quakes struck late Wednesday afternoon, June 24, 2026 — early Thursday morning local time in Greece — severely damaging Caracas and triggering widespread destruction.
Mounting Casualties and Widespread Damage
As of Thursday morning, authorities have confirmed 32 fatalities, though early estimates suggest the death toll could rise dramatically — potentially reaching as high as 100,000. The scale of devastation remains unclear amid ongoing rescue efforts and communication disruptions.
Simón Bolívar International Airport Crippled
The Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía — located about 40 kilometers from Caracas in La Guaira — was severely damaged. Footage circulating online shows passengers fleeing in terror as large sections of the terminal’s ceiling collapse overhead. The airport has been closed indefinitely due to ‘serious structural damage,’ according to an official statement by Acting President Rodríguez.
Social media posts from eyewitnesses and journalists depict scenes of panic and ruin: crumbling concrete, shattered glass, and evacuees running through debris-filled corridors. Videos tagged with #temblor and #sismo quickly went viral, drawing global attention to the unfolding crisis.
Regional Impact
Seismic tremors were strongly felt across the region, including in neighboring Colombia. Though Bogotá lies roughly 1,000 kilometers from Caracas in a straight line, residents reported noticeable shaking — underscoring the magnitude and reach of the event.