Seismic shock: Venezuela finds itself in the epicenter of a devastating earthquake

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.5 occurred in northern Venezuela on the night of June 25. The epicenter of the tremors was located in the Yaracuy State area, the source was at a depth of about 13 km. Seismic activity affected several regions of the country at once, including Caracas and surrounding states, where building collapses and damage to infrastructure facilities were recorded. The consequences of the devastating earthquake are described in the Izvestia article.

What is known about the earthquake in Venezuela

A powerful earthquake occurred in northern Venezuela on the night of June 25. According to seismologists, the magnitude of the tremors was 7.1–7.5. The center was located at a depth of about 13 km, and the epicenter was located in the Yaracuy State region, near the cities of Valencia and San Felipe.

The disaster affected several regions of the country at once. The most serious consequences were recorded in the states of Yaracuy, Carabobo, Aragua, Miranda and Trujillo, as well as in the capital district of Caracas and the city of La Guayra.

Residential buildings, administrative buildings and infrastructure facilities were damaged in a number of settlements.

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said that several residential buildings and other structures collapsed as a result of the tremors. The situation is particularly difficult in the Los Palos Grandes and Altamira areas of Caracas, which are considered the most vulnerable in terms of seismic activity.

After the main earthquake, a second tremor was recorded. This was announced on June 25 by Globovision TV channel.

"A new shock is reported in Caracas," the social network X (ex. Twitter).

According to updated data, seismic activity was recorded at 01:19 local time (08:19 Moscow time). At the same time, as reported by the Reuters news agency, the country's oil infrastructure was not damaged as a result of the earthquake.

It is separately noted that the authorities of the city of Maracaibo, located near one of the key oil regions on Lake Maracaibo, said there were no reports of casualties, according to Reuters.

The dead and injured after the earthquake in Venezuela

According to the latest official data, 32 people became victims of a powerful earthquake in Venezuela. More than 700 residents of the country received injuries of varying severity and were taken to medical institutions.

The Acting President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, announced updated information on the consequences of the natural disaster on June 25.

"At the moment, we have data on 32 deaths, not counting the figures that the state of La Guaira can provide, and more than 700 victims admitted to the emergency departments of public hospitals and private medical centers," Rodriguez said in a statement posted on the social network.

The country's authorities also reported on the upcoming international assistance. Rescue units from the United States, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Qatar are expected to arrive in Venezuela in the near future. In addition, China, Brazil, as well as several Caribbean States, including Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Saint Lucia and Dominica, offered support to the affected regions.

The aftermath of the earthquake in Venezuela

The economic damage from the earthquake in Venezuela can range from 2 to 20% of the country's GDP, according to the US Geological Survey.

One of the most affected regions was the state of La Guayra, where the tremors led to widespread destruction. According to the authorities, dozens of buildings were damaged and destroyed there. Rodriguez described the situation as catastrophic and declared the region a disaster zone.

"I confirm the suspension of classes and all activities not related to the work of public services. We inform you that hotels and shelters have been prepared for people who have lost their homes or whose houses have been declared uninhabitable due to these earthquakes," the president added.

Meanwhile, rescue services continue to operate in the most affected areas of the country. In Caracas, emergency workers are sorting through the rubble of collapsed houses in search of possible survivors.

"We arrived in the Pintos-Alinos area of Caracas. A building fell here. It is reported that there are victims. Rescue operations are underway now. The rescue guard is trying to find those who may be under the rubble," Izvestia correspondent Anna Osipova reported from the scene.

According to preliminary information from rescuers, at least three people may remain under the rubble of one of the destroyed buildings. In another area of the search operation, emergency services managed to extract two survivors from the wreckage. After first aid, they were taken to the hospital.

In addition, due to the consequences of the natural disaster, the operation of the Simon Bolivar International Airport of Maiqueti was suspended. Experts warn that the restoration of the affected areas may require significant financial costs.

International response to the earthquake in Venezuela

The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Venezuela has appealed to Russian citizens staying in the country with a recommendation to observe increased security measures. The diplomatic mission stressed the importance of following the instructions of local emergency services and preparing in advance a basic set for possible evacuation — documents, cash, first-aid kit, chargers, drinking water and basic necessities.

A number of foreign leaders also reacted to the effects of the earthquake and announced their readiness to provide assistance to the affected country.

President of El Salvador Nayib Bukele expressed his condolences to the people of Venezuela in connection with the destruction and confirmed his intention to send rescue units and humanitarian equipment.

"At the moment, we have offered assistance to the government of Venezuela through our Ministry of Foreign Affairs," the politician wrote on the social network X.

According to him, 300 rescuers and paramedics are ready to be sent to Caracas, as well as about 50 tons of equipment, medicines and necessary supplies.

The United States has also announced its involvement in international aid coordination. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced the mobilization of resources to support the affected regions.

"The United States stands with the Venezuelan people after tonight's devastating earthquakes. We are in touch with the authorities and are mobilizing help," he wrote on Twitter.