Two severe earthquakes have shaken Venezuela. An expert from the Swiss Seismological Service explains why further aftershocks could be dangerous.
June 25, 2026, 3:27 p.mJune 25, 2026, 3:27 p.m
On Wednesday evening at 6:05 p.m. local time, the earth shook in northern Venezuela. Seismologist Xavier Borgeat from the Swiss Seismological Service at ETH Zurich explains what happened.
The quakes occurred within 39 seconds.Image: keystone
The situation in Venezuela is still unclear. Where was the epicenter of the earthquake?
Xavier Borgeat: There were two earthquakes, very close together. Both more or less in the same place, about 200 kilometers west of Caracas. At a depth of 10 to 20 kilometers. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquakes had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. The magnitude shows the strength of the earthquake at the source. Earthquakes of this magnitude have extensive fault surfaces around 150 to 200 kilometers long.
How should the strength be assessed?
In the area of the epicenter, the calculated and perceived intensity of the earthquake was very high. With such intensity, such significant damage to buildings was to be expected.
Have there been any aftershocks since then?
Yes, there have already been two recorded aftershocks with a magnitude of over 4 on the magnitude scale, specifically 4.5 and 4.4. These two aftershocks originated east of the mainshock, near Caracas.
Are further aftershocks to be expected?
Yes, the danger is high, especially in the next few days. Typically, aftershocks are smaller in strength. However, many buildings are now damaged and even an aftershock of smaller magnitude can have further devastating consequences. There is also a small probability that another earthquake of a similar size or even larger will occur.
How far were the earthquakes felt?
The two earthquakes were felt over a wide area. Some “reports of detection” come from a distance of around 1,000 kilometers from the epicenter. The tremors were also recorded by Switzerland’s seismic network.
The victim information varies greatly. Is it still possible to somehow estimate how many deaths there could be?
The only available estimates come from the USGS. These assume very high numbers of victims, between 10,000 and 100,000. That seems realistic, even if it is subject to great uncertainty. The situation on site is still very confusing, among other things because mobile communication does not work either. Experience has shown that it will take several days until a more precise picture of the extent is obtained – and several weeks to months until the entire extent can be quantified.
Can the strength of this earthquake be compared to others?
It compares well with the March 26, 1812 earthquake that occurred along the Boconó fault system with a comparable magnitude. This fault system runs through the Venezuelan Andes in the west of the country and extends from the Colombian border region to the Caribbean coast. The strength was subsequently estimated at 7.4. It caused widespread destruction in the cities of Mérida and Caracas and claimed an estimated 30,000 lives. However, tonight’s quakes are among the strongest quakes that have occurred in this region to date.
Is this area known for earthquake activity?
Yes, large earthquakes have repeatedly occurred in Venezuela in the past. This is because the region is characterized by various plate tectonic processes, which leads to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Last night’s quake occurred on the border of the Caribbean plate in the north and the South American plate in the south. The Caribbean plate is moving eastward by about two centimeters each year, relative to the South American plate. This builds up enormous tensions underground, which are released in the form of earthquakes.