<p>The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck less than a minute apart near Venezuela's northern coast, approximately 160 kilometers west of Caracas. The powerful tremors were felt across much of the country and triggered panic among residents who rushed into streets as buildings swayed and collapsed.</p><p>The hardest-hit areas include Caracas, La Guaira, Catia La Mar and surrounding communities, where dozens of residential and commercial structures suffered severe damage. Rescue teams have been working around the clock to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.</p><p>Interim President Delcy Rodríguez described the disaster as a national tragedy, confirming that emergency services, military units and international rescue teams have been mobilized to assist affected communities.</p><p>"Dozens of buildings have collapsed, and we are carrying out intense rescue efforts," Rodríguez said during a televised address.</p><p>Hospitals across the capital have reportedly been overwhelmed by the influx of injured residents, prompting emergency reinforcements and the cancellation of classes nationwide. Thousands of people have also been displaced as authorities inspect buildings for structural damage.</p><p><img src="https://keryxonline.com/storage/uploads/content/2026/06/img_6a3d5e32aeb00_1782406706.jpg" style="max-width: 100%;" class="img-responsive" data-filename="content/2026/06/img_6a3d5e32aeb00_1782406706.jpg"></p><p>International assistance has begun arriving, with several countries and humanitarian organizations offering search-and-rescue personnel, medical supplies and emergency relief support. The United States, Spain, France and other nations have pledged assistance to help Venezuelan authorities respond to the crisis.</p><p>Seismologists say the twin earthquakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that additional aftershocks remain possible, increasing the risk of further structural collapses and landslides.</p><p>Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid damaged buildings and follow official emergency instructions as rescue operations continue.</p><p>The full extent of the disaster is still being assessed, and officials caution that casualty figures may rise significantly in the coming days as emergency crews reach isolated communities and continue searches in affected urban areas.</p><p>KEY FACTS<br>• Magnitude: 7.2 and 7.5<br>• Date: June 24, 2026<br>• Location: Western Venezuela, near the Caribbean coast west of Caracas<br>• Confirmed deaths: At least 164<br>• Injured: More than 970<br>• Status: State of Emergency Declared<br>• Response: National and international rescue operations ongoing</p><p>Photo credit: acento.com and elselvatico.blogspot</p>