Venezuela Rocked by Strongest Quakes in Over a Century; USGS Fears Death Toll Could Reach 1 Lakh.

Caracas, June 25, 2026

‘Disaster Zone’: Twin 7.2 and 7.5 Quakes Devastate Venezuela, USGS Warns of 10,000-100,000 Deaths

Century’s Worst: Venezuela Declares Emergency as Back-to-Back Earthquakes Kill Hundreds, Thousands Feared Dead.

1 Lakh Lives at Risk: Venezuela Hit by Deadliest Seismic Doublet Since 1900.

What Happened.

Venezuela was struck Wednesday evening by the strongest earthquakes in over a century  a 7.2 magnitude foreshock followed 39 seconds later by a 7.5-magnitude mainshock. The epicenters were near Morón, on the Caribbean coast, about 100 miles west of Caracas.

The U.S. Geological Survey termed it a “severe seismic doublet sequence” and issued a red alert, warning that “high casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread.”

 Death Toll: Confirmed vs Estimated.

Confirmed so far: Venezuelan authorities report at least 164 dead and over 700-1,000 injured, with hundreds missing.

USGS projection: The agency estimates fatalities could range from 10,000 to 100,000 people, citing the quakes’ shallow depth, proximity to populated areas, and widespread building collapse. 

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency* and designated coastal La Guaira a “disaster zone.” 

Damage and Impact.

Dozens of buildings collapsed across Caracas, La Guaira, and Maracay. The Hotel Eduard’s in La Guaira “completely collapsed,” and *Simón Bolívar International Airport was shut due to “serious damage” to infrastructure. 

Eyewitnesses described stairwells tearing loose, walls cracking, and residents trapped on upper floors. Panic swept Maiquetía airport as ceilings partially fell. 

The quakes are the strongest to hit Venezuela since the 7.7-magnitude San Narciso quake in 1900.

International Response.

The U.S., Mexico, Brazil, and El Salvador have offered aid. President Trump wrote: “The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies… to move quickly.” Mexico and El Salvador pledged rescuers, equipment, and medical supplies. 

Why the Toll Could Rise.

USGS says the 10,000-100,000 estimate reflects historical patterns for quakes of this size in dense urban areas, plus risks of landslides and liquefaction. More than 20 aftershocks have already been recorded. 

Rescue teams are still searching rubble in Caracas, where survivors were pulled from collapsed offices in Altamira. Officials warn the final count may take days.

While the confirmed toll is 164 as of Thursday morning, the scale of destruction and USGS modeling indicate Venezuela may be facing one of the deadliest quakes of the 21st century, with fears that deaths could reach 1 lakh (100,000).