Powerful 7.1 earthquake shakes Venezuela, with damage reported in Caracas

Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald on Jun 24, 2026

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A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck north-central Venezuela on Wednesday, triggering panic in Caracas and other cities as preliminary reports of structural damage and injuries began to emerge.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake happened at 6:04 p.m. local time, with the epicenter off Venezuela’s central coast.

According to preliminary data, the quake was shallow, the kind typically felt more intensely and carrying greater potential for surface damage.

The epicenter was located near several towns in Yaracuy state. The closest city was Montalbán, about 17 miles southeast of the point of origin. Other cities near the affected area include San Felipe, Yumare, Nirgua and Miranda.

The earthquake’ was across a wide swath of the country, including Caracas, where many people reported intense shaking that forced evacuations from apartment buildings, offices and shopping centers.

Videos circulating on social media showed people rushing out of buildings in the capital, while some users reported partial collapses and damage to structures. So far, authorities have not released an official assessment of the damage in Caracas.

In Guatire, in Miranda state, preliminary reports indicate that several people were injured, though the severity of the injuries and the exact number of those affected remain unclear.

The quake was also strongly felt in other central and western states, where residents described prolonged shaking that lasted several seconds.

The Venezuelan Seismological Research Foundation, the country’s official monitoring agency, has not yet released a final report on the magnitude, depth and exact location of the earthquake.

Venezuelan authorities typically activate emergency assessment and response protocols following major seismic events, including inspections of critical infrastructure such as hospitals, bridges, highways and electrical systems.

Venezuela lies in a zone of high seismic activity due to the interaction between the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates. Historically, the country has experienced destructive earthquakes, including the 1967 Caracas earthquake, which killed hundreds and caused severe damage in the capital.

Emergency crews continue to assess the situation in different parts of the country, while authorities are expected to provide a clearer picture in the coming hours regarding material damage, injuries and possible fatalities.