In pictures: Widespread destruction after back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160 km west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the US Geological Survey.

ReutersAFP

Published

June 25, 2026

Updated

June 25, 2026

10:33am

Powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon, toppling buildings in the capital Caracas, trapping people in the rubble and prompting scientists to warn of potentially heavy casualties and widespread destruction.

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160 km west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Below is a glimpse of the widespread destruction.

Header image: Rescue workers search through the rubble of a collapsed building in the Altamira neighbourhood following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026. —AFP