Twin earthquakes strike Caracas, residents flee as buildings collapse

Thu Jun 25 2026 06:36:48 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Venezuelan capital endured 7.2 and 7.5 quakes, leaving buildings wrecked and citizens scrambling.

Two powerful earthquakes jolted Caracas on a national holiday, causing severe tremors and building collapses. Journalist Nicole Kolster, in her seventh‑storey apartment, described the shudder and the frenzy as she and neighbors evacuated to the streets. Residents reported cracked walls, fallen utility poles, and loss of power. The quake's magnitude is the strongest felt by many, surpassing the 1967 6.6‑magnitude disaster. Rescue teams are searching rubble while authorities work to assess the damage and assistance needed.

Twin earthquakes strike Caracas, residents flee as buildings collapse

On Wednesday, two successive earthquakes – a 7.2 and a 7.5 magnitude – shook the Venezuelan capital. Residents in the heavily‑hit district of Palos Grandes evacuated to the streets, as reports of collapsed buildings and power outages spread.

Journalist Nicole Kolster, who was at home in her seventh‑storey flat, said she felt a violent shake and moved between the front door and a stone wall to protect herself: 'I saw the windows moving, and the only thing I could think to do was to get between the front door and a stone wall...'. One hour after the quake, many people remained outside, waiting for safety in case of aftershocks.

City authorities have confirmed a total of eight fatalities so far, though the full extent of damage remains uncertain. Earlier this year, a 6.6‑magnitude quake in 1967 killed more than 200 people, prompting concerns that the recent tremors have surpassed that historic disaster.

Residents like Maria Elise and Coro Martinez described shattered walls, fallen utility poles, and widespread power loss, noting that the shock felt was far more intense than the 1967 quake. Rescue squads are actively searching the rubble of collapsed buildings and are coordinating with international partners for aid.

The earthquakes hit during the national holiday commemorating the Battle of Carabobo, adding to the psychological impact on citizens. For real‑time updates and live coverage, follow PulseWire’s interactive map and social media feeds.