The Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency after powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck the northern coast, causing over 20 aftershocks. Authorities ordered the closure of the main airport and temporarily suspended train services and schools.
On 25 June 2026 GMT+7, Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's acting president, announced nationwide state of emergency on national television following strong 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes off the country's northern coast, which caused severe damage in many areas and triggered more than 20 aftershocks.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez jointly issued a statement announcing the appointment of senior military officers to manage emergency response operations. They expressed condolences to families of disaster victims but did not disclose official casualty figures yet, calling on Venezuelans to cooperate and unite to overcome the crisis.
According to Venezuela's presidential office, since the initial quake, more than 20 aftershocks have been recorded. The hardest-hit areas along the northern coast include the states of La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcón.
The government also announced a temporary suspension of train and subway services, while schools nationwide will remain closed for the rest of the week.
Additionally, Maiquetía International Airport, the main gateway to Caracas, was temporarily closed after parts of the passenger terminal ceiling collapsed due to the tremors.
Earlier, Venezuela experienced a 7.2 magnitude earthquake followed just 40 seconds later by a 7.5 magnitude quake, centered near San Felipe in Yaracuy state. The tremors were felt across several Caribbean countries, and an initial tsunami warning was issued but later lifted.
Rodríguez assumed the acting presidency after former President Nicolás Maduro was detained by U.S. authorities earlier this year to face drug trafficking charges in a New York court.