Two major earthquakes hit northern Venezuela near Caracas within less than a minute, U.S. Geological Survey says

Two strong earthquakes struck northern Venezuela near Caracas within less than a minute on June 24, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The first quake measured 7.2 in magnitude, followed by a second earthquake measuring 7.5, according to the agency’s reporting cited by NPR.

The close timing of the two shocks raised the risk of additional damage to buildings already affected by the first rupture, complicating immediate emergency response and public safety measures. Aftershocks can also follow large earthquakes, increasing hazards for residents during rescue and recovery operations.

NPR reported that the second earthquake was the largest to hit Venezuela since 1900, a point the U.S. Geological Survey used to characterize the scale of the later shock. In practical terms, that history marker indicates a potentially wider envelope of risk for infrastructure, roads, utilities, and essential services that can be difficult to assess in the immediate aftermath.

The earthquakes’ location in northern Venezuela, near the capital area, puts densely populated communities in the affected zone. Northern Venezuela includes major urban and transportation corridors, and strong ground motion can cause building failures, landslides, and disruptions to communications and power systems.

In the early phase after major earthquakes, officials typically rely on initial magnitude and location determinations, then confirm intensity patterns through reports from emergency managers and local observations. The U.S. Geological Survey magnitude readings provide a baseline for planning, but damage assessments require time, particularly when multiple large quakes occur back-to-back.

Venezuela’s emergency-management and civil-protection systems face heightened operational pressure after events of this scale, including the need to manage shelters, medical triage, search-and-rescue deployments, and safe routing for vehicles. Any interruptions to transportation networks can delay delivery of food, water, and medical supplies to affected families.

For residents near Caracas, the immediate priorities after the event are typically to avoid damaged structures, follow government guidance on safety, and keep access routes open for responders. As officials compile information on impacts and casualties, the official characterization of affected areas will likely determine where assistance is concentrated first.

Further updates are expected as regional and national authorities, together with the U.S. Geological Survey, refine details such as the precise epicenter locations, aftershock patterns, and damage estimates. The event’s twin shocks are likely to remain central to the scope and timeline of response activities in the days ahead.