Last updated: July 1, 2026, 8:10 p.m. PDT. Venezuela was struck by two major earthquakes less than a minute apart on June 24, 2026. The U.S. Geological Survey lists a magnitude 7.2 event followed about 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 event in northern Venezuela. One week on, the confirmed death toll has climbed into the thousands as recovery teams reach more damaged areas.
What happened in the Venezuela earthquake?
The strongest listed event was a magnitude 7.5 earthquake about 28 km southeast of Yumare, Venezuela, at a depth of about 10 km, according to USGS. It followed a magnitude 7.2 earthquake about 23 km southeast of Yumare at a depth of about 20.3 km. USGS products for both events carried a red PAGER alert, meaning high casualties and extensive damage were considered probable by the model. The two events struck about 39 seconds apart, around 6:04–6:05 p.m. Venezuela time.
Latest reported casualties and damage
As of July 1, 2026, the confirmed death toll had risen to about 2,295, with more than 11,200 people injured, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, as cited by NPR. Tens of thousands of people remain unaccounted for. Officials and the UN caution that the toll is expected to keep rising as search-and-recovery operations continue; we report only attributed figures and readers should treat all counts as preliminary.
The confirmed toll has climbed steeply over the first week: from at least 188 the day after the quakes, to around 235 (Health Ministry, June 26), to roughly 589 by June 26, past 1,700 on June 29, to about 2,295 by July 1. USGS PAGER modeling had flagged from the outset the potential for a death toll in the thousands based on shaking intensity and population exposure.
Damage is concentrated in Caracas, La Guaira, and other northern cities. A NASA analysis of satellite data cited by relief agencies estimated roughly 58,870 damaged or destroyed structures. UN reporting indicates around 1,000 buildings—including hospitals—plus more than 400 schools and multiple water systems were damaged or destroyed. The UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates up to 6.8 million people could need relief, and UNICEF reports about 680,000 children among those affected.
How much did the earthquake damage cost?
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has published a preliminary estimate of about US$6.7 billion in direct physical damage (within a range of US$4.7–8.7 billion), equivalent to roughly 6% of Venezuela’s GDP. That figure covers direct damage only; full reconstruction, infrastructure repair, and economic disruption typically push the total impact well higher. See our detailed breakdown of the damage and rebuilding costs.
Aftershocks
More than 600 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial quakes, hampering rescue work and adding risk for people near damaged buildings. A June 26 aftershock collapsed a bridge connecting Caraballeda to the rest of La Guaira, disrupting relief efforts.
International response and rescue teams
A large international search-and-rescue mobilization deployed in the first days, including two U.S. urban search-and-rescue teams — from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles County, California — and personnel from Mexico, among many other countries. By early July, teams were beginning to stand down from active search and rescue and transition to recovery and structural assessment. Aid pledges reported as of July 1 include roughly US$150 million from the United States (routed through faith-based groups and UN agencies), more than US$5 million from the European Union, and over US$2 million from the United Kingdom, with contributions from many additional countries. UNICEF has said it needs about US$52 million for its response.
Where was shaking strongest?
USGS ShakeMap and PAGER city estimates indicate very strong to severe shaking in parts of northern Venezuela. For the magnitude 7.5 event, USGS estimated high shaking levels around communities including Puerto Cabello, Catia La Mar, Ocumare de la Costa, Maiquetia, San Felipe, Caracas, La Guaira, Los Teques, Petare, Valencia, and Baruta.
Was there a tsunami warning?
A tsunami alert was issued shortly after the earthquakes on June 24, but it was later cancelled. No ongoing tsunami warning, advisory, watch, or threat has been in effect since the initial hours after the quakes.
Quick facts
- Mainshock: M7.5, 28 km SE of Yumare, Venezuela, 10 km depth, USGS event us6000t7zp.
- Foreshock: M7.2, 23 km SE of Yumare, Venezuela, 20.3 km depth, USGS event us6000t7zc.
- Timing: The two major events occurred about 39 seconds apart, around June 24, 2026, 6:05 p.m. Venezuela time.
- USGS alert: Red PAGER alert for both major events.
- Latest reported toll: About 2,295 dead and 11,200+ injured (National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, via NPR, July 1); tens of thousands still missing. Figures are preliminary and rising.
- Damage: ~58,870 structures damaged (NASA satellite analysis); UNDP direct-damage estimate ~US$6.7 billion (~6% of GDP).
- Aftershocks: 600+ recorded; a June 26 aftershock collapsed a La Guaira bridge.
- People affected: Up to 6.8 million may need relief (IOM), including ~680,000 children (UNICEF).
Frequently asked questions
Was there an earthquake in Venezuela in June 2026?
Yes. USGS lists two major earthquakes in northern Venezuela on June 24, 2026: a magnitude 7.2 event followed about 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 event near Yumare.
Where was the Venezuela earthquake strongest?
USGS located the strongest event about 28 km southeast of Yumare, Venezuela. ShakeMap and PAGER estimates indicated very strong to severe shaking across parts of northern Venezuela, including areas around Caracas, La Guaira, Maiquetía, Valencia, and Puerto Cabello.
What areas had the most damage?
Reported damage has been concentrated in northern Venezuela, including Caracas, La Guaira, and nearby coastal and urban communities. Damage reports remain preliminary and should be read with the latest official and field-source updates.
Is Caracas airport open after the earthquake?
Airport status can change quickly after a major earthquake. Travelers should check the latest airline, airport, and government advisory updates before going to Simón Bolívar International Airport / Maiquetía. See our Caracas airport status after the Venezuela earthquake page for the travel-focused update.
How is earthquake building damage assessed?
Engineers typically begin with rapid visual assessment: checking for collapse risk, major cracking, leaning, foundation movement, falling hazards, and signs that a structure may need restricted use or closer inspection. A rapid screen helps prioritize buildings for further review; it does not replace a detailed structural evaluation where one is required.
What should building owners check after an earthquake?
Owners and occupants should stay out of visibly damaged buildings and follow local authority guidance. Warning signs include new or widening cracks, leaning walls or columns, partial collapse, damaged stairways, gas or water leaks, and doors or windows that suddenly jam because the structure has shifted. A qualified professional should review buildings with significant damage indicators.
Can satellite data detect earthquake damage?
Satellite and remote-sensing data can help estimate where damage is likely and support city-wide planning, especially when field access is limited. These datasets are planning tools, not final building-by-building safety determinations. Field verification and professional judgment are still required for occupancy and repair decisions.
What does a rapid exposure assessment mean?
A rapid exposure assessment estimates which people, buildings, and infrastructure may have been affected by strong shaking. It combines earthquake intensity information, maps, building footprints, population data, and available damage indicators to help response teams prioritize field checks and recovery planning.
How Miyamoto International can help: Rapid structural assessment, damage mapping, and recovery engineering help communities move from emergency response to safe reoccupation and reconstruction planning.
Sources and update notes
- USGS event page: M 7.5, 28 km SE of Yumare, Venezuela
- USGS event page: M 7.2, 23 km SE of Yumare, Venezuela
- NPR: What to know a week from Venezuela’s quakes (July 1 toll)
- UNDP: Venezuela faces US$6.7 billion in economic losses
- UN News: Venezuela earthquake relief needs
- Al Jazeera: Venezuela earthquakes casualty and damage update
- U.S. Tsunami Warning Centers
Update policy: This article includes the date and time above because casualty counts, damage reports, aftershock activity, and official assessments can change quickly after a major earthquake. If newer figures are available, use the latest official or major wire/source update.
