A deadly earthquake in Venezuela has killed at least 164 people and injured nearly 1,000 after two powerful quakes struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24, leaving major damage in and around Caracas and coastal La Guaira state.
Reuters reported that a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 100 miles west of Caracas on Wednesday, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, citing U.S. Geological Survey data. Rescue workers searched through collapsed buildings overnight as relatives looked for missing loved ones and officials warned that the death toll could rise.
La Guaira, which sits near Caracas and serves as a key gateway for air travel, appeared to be among the hardest-hit areas. The U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office updated its Venezuela travel advice on June 25, stating that international airports in the country were temporarily closed following the earthquakes.
Deadly Venezuela Earthquake Causes Major Damage Near Caracas
The first quake struck northern Venezuela shortly after 6 p.m. local time, when many residents were at home during a public holiday. Reuters reported that emergency crews worked through collapsed structures in Caracas while survivors left damaged buildings, and injured people were taken away on stretchers. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said at least 164 people had died and nearly 1,000 had been injured. She added that heavy machinery was being deployed to support rescue efforts.
La Guaira state, near Caracas, suffered some of the worst damage. Reuters noted that witness footage showed panic inside the airport as ceilings came down, while destroyed buildings along the seafront left rubble across the area. Rodriguez described La Guaira as a disaster zone and said rescue crews were working to reach trapped residents.
Damage also extended toward areas closer to the earthquake’s epicenter, including Morón in Carabobo state. Homes collapsed there, water and electricity were out, and local officials confirmed deaths in the area, including children. Other cities and towns near Caracas, including El Junquito and La Guaira, remained without power on Thursday morning, which added to the challenges facing rescue workers.
Venezuela has a long history of serious earthquakes due to its position along an active seismic zone where the Caribbean Plate meets the South American Plate. Past disasters include a 1967 earthquake that killed 240 people and an 1812 earthquake that caused major destruction in Mérida and Caracas.
What Travelers Should Know About Venezuela Right Now
Travelers with plans involving Venezuela should check directly with airlines, tour operators, hotels, and airport authorities before departure, as transportation conditions can change quickly after a major natural disaster. The U.K. Foreign Office said international airports in Venezuela were temporarily closed following the June 24 earthquakes and advised people in the country to follow local authorities’ guidance. The agency also told people affected by the earthquakes to contact the U.K. government for assistance and urged those who were safe to let friends and family know their status.
The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory system currently lists Venezuela at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, with risk indicators for crime, kidnapping or hostage-taking, terrorism, and health. While that advisory predates the earthquake, it remains important for travelers assessing the wider safety and emergency support environment. Travelers already in Venezuela should avoid damaged buildings, stay clear of debris, monitor local media, and follow instructions from local emergency officials.
Those near the hardest-hit areas may face power outages, unreliable communications, damaged roads, limited access to medical care, and transportation disruptions. The situation remains active, and casualty numbers may change as rescue teams reach damaged areas. People with upcoming travel should wait for confirmed information on airport reopenings, keep documents and emergency contacts accessible, and check airline and consular updates before making new plans. Travelers with relatives or contacts in Venezuela should rely on official updates and direct communication where possible as search-and-rescue operations continue.
