Earthquakes Strike Venezuela, Damaging Airport and Killing at Least 32

Two earthquakes struck western Venezuela on June 24, 2026, damaging Simon Bolivar International Airport near Caracas and killing at least 32 people while injuring more than 700 others. The back-to-back tremors registered 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude and occurred roughly 30 seconds apart, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Their epicenters were located three miles apart near the town of Yumare, about 100 miles west of Caracas.

Video recorded inside the airport showed travelers running for cover as ceiling panels and bricks fell, sending dust through the terminal. Two women narrowly avoided injury when debris collapsed onto the concourse. La Guaira state, which includes the airport, sustained the heaviest damage.

Officials said dozens of buildings collapsed and rescue teams continued searching for survivors into the following day.

Rodriguez stated that most residents had been home observing the Battle of Carabobo public holiday when the quakes struck. She said authorities were conducting intense rescue efforts and expressed condolences to families who lost relatives. Rodriguez thanked the United States government for offers of support and said Venezuelan authorities remained in contact with U.S. officials.

Footage from other locations showed fans at a University of Caracas baseball game rushing onto the field and first responders working through rubble at collapsed structures across the country.