FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · June 25, 2026
VENEZUELA – Miyamoto International has released an initial rapid exposure assessment following the June 24, 2026 sequence of two major earthquakes in northern Venezuela. The sequence began with an M7.2 earthquake, followed 39 seconds later by a stronger M7.5 event near Yumare.
The first earthquake struck at 6:04 pm local time, with the second occurring at 6:05 pm, approximately 28 km southeast of Yumare at a depth of about 10 km. Both were shallow earthquakes, increasing the likelihood of severe shaking and widespread damage.
Preliminary Analysis
- approximately 10.6 million people exposed to strong shaking or greater, MMI VI+
- USGS PAGER models issued red alerts for the major events.
- For the M7.5 earthquake, PAGER estimates include:
- 42% probability of 10,000-100,000 fatalities
- 92% probability of at least 1,000 fatalities
These are rapid model-based estimates, not confirmed casualty counts, and are subject to change as USGS updates event parameters, shaking estimates, exposure data, and building vulnerability assumptions, and as official field reports become available.
Earthquake Sequence and Shaking Context
Response Coordination
Miyamoto’s team, led by Jesús Valdez, is coordinating with Mexican urban search and rescue teams deploying to the affected region. Valdez will provide technical and safety support. He previously contributed extensively to rescue and recovery operations following the 2017 Mexico City earthquake.
Early Engineering Concerns
- Older reinforced concrete buildings
- Structures lacking modern seismic detailing
- Unreinforced masonry
- Adobe block construction
- Informal and non-engineered buildings
Buildings constructed before the mid-1980s are generally less likely to incorporate modern seismic protection, while the 1998/2001 seismic code introduced Venezuela’s modern seismic design provisions.
Next Steps
A larger Miyamoto International team will deploy to the disaster zone in coordination with international agencies and diplomatic missions. The team will support on-the-ground damage assessments, situational awareness, and the development of response and recovery strategies. Immediate priorities include identifying communities and facilities requiring priority assessment and informing early response planning.
Rapid Exposure Assessment
Review Miyamoto International’s initial rapid exposure assessment for the June 24, 2026 Venezuela earthquake sequence.
Press & Media Requests
Members of the press are invited to arrange interviews with structural engineer and CEO of Miyamoto International, Dr. Kit Miyamoto. For further information, please contact:
Miyamoto Communications Team
communications@miyamotointernational.com
