Rescue workers are looking for buried people.Image: keystone
June 25, 2026, 07:36June 25, 2026, 07:41
Two very strong earthquakes have shaken Venezuela. The US Geological Survey USGS Expects significant destruction and thousands of deaths.
Based on an automatic model calculation that takes into account the strength of the earthquake and the proximity of densely populated areas, it estimates the number of possible deaths at between 10,000 and 100,000. According to the USGS, more than 400,000 people live in the comparatively nearby cities of Puerto Cabello and San Felipe alone.
This graphic shows the estimated death toll.screenshot etc
The authority declared the highest red alert level due to the expected fatalities and economic damage. The impact of the disaster is likely to extend over a large area, she said. Previous events in the same category would have required national or international aid operations.
Here you can see the estimated economic damage.screenshot etc
The US earthquake monitoring station reported magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. This makes the two earthquakes among the strongest in the world this year.
According to initial findings, at least 32 people were killed and around 700 others were injured. Executive President Delcy Rodríguez said.
“We are dealing with an extremely alarming situation,” said Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello on television. The quake was felt in at least seven states and in Caracas. (hkl)