A deadly earthquake in Venezuela has killed at least 164 people and injured nearly 1,000 after two powerful tremors struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24, leaving major damage in and around Caracas and coastal La Guaira state. A magnitude 7.2 shock hit about 100 miles west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to U.S. Geological Survey data. Emergency crews searched through collapsed buildings overnight as relatives looked for missing loved ones and officials warned that the death toll could rise.
Deadly Venezuela Earthquake Causes Major Damage Near Caracas
The first tremor struck northern parts of the country shortly after 6 p.m. local time, when many residents were at home during a public holiday. Emergency crews worked through collapsed structures in the capital while survivors left damaged buildings, and injured people were taken away on stretchers, journalists on the scene reported. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez added that heavy machinery was being deployed to support rescue efforts.
The coastal state, near the capital, suffered some of the worst damage. Witness footage showed panic inside the airport as ceilings came down, while destroyed buildings along the seafront left rubble across the area, according to the report. Rodriguez described the area as a disaster zone and said rescue crews were working to reach trapped residents.
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Damage also extended toward areas closer to the tremor’s epicenter, including Morón in Carabobo state. Homes collapsed there, water and electricity were out, and local officials confirmed deaths in the area, including children. Other cities and towns near the capital, including El Junquito and the same coastal area, remained without power on Thursday morning, which added to the challenges facing rescue workers.
The country has a long history of serious tremors due to its position along an active seismic zone where the Caribbean Plate meets the South American Plate.
Past disasters include a 1967 tremor that killed 240 people.
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An 1812 tremor caused major destruction in Mérida and the capital.
What Travelers Should Know About Venezuela Right Now
Travelers with plans involving the nation should check directly with airlines, tour operators, hotels, and airport authorities before departure, as transportation conditions can change quickly after a major natural disaster. The U.K. Foreign Office said international airports in the country were temporarily closed after the quakes and advised people in the nation to follow local authorities’ guidance. The agency also told people affected by the tremors to contact the U.K. government for assistance and urged those who were safe to let friends and family know their status.
The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory system currently lists the country at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, with risk indicators for crime, kidnapping or hostage-taking, terrorism, and health. While that advisory predates the quake, it remains important for travelers assessing the wider safety and emergency support environment. Travelers already in the nation should avoid damaged buildings, stay clear of debris, monitor local media, and follow instructions from local emergency officials.
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Those near the hardest-hit areas may face power outages.
Unreliable communications, damaged roads, limited access to medical care, and transportation disruptions also threaten. The situation remains active, and casualty numbers may change as rescue teams reach damaged areas. People with upcoming travel should wait for confirmed information on airport reopenings, keep documents and emergency contacts accessible, and check airline and consular updates before making new plans. Travelers with relatives or contacts in the country should rely on official updates and direct communication where possible as search-and-rescue operations continue.