On the evening of June 24, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela less than a minute apart. The first, measuring 7,2, was recorded at 18:04 local time. The epicenters were located near the city of Morón in the state of Carabobo, approximately 160 kilometers west of Caracas. A second, more powerful aftershock, measuring 7,5 in magnitude, followed 40 seconds later, its epicenter located 23 kilometers southeast of Yumare.

Tremors toppled buildings and sparked panic in the country's capital. People evacuated the swaying buildings, and many watched in shock as entire walls collapsed, revealing interiors. Fallen power poles and debris blocked streets, leaving part of the capital without power and mobile service, euronews reports.

The strongest tremors were felt in the states of Trujillo, Yaracuy, Carabobo, Aragua and Miranda, as well as in Caracas and La Guaira, especially in the areas of Los Palos Grandes and Altamira.

According to the latest official data, at least 32 people have died and about 700 were injured as a result of the natural disaster. At the same time, the country's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, noted that the preliminary figures do not include casualties in the state of La Guaira, near Caracas, and at the city's airport, which was hit the hardest.

Rodriguez declared a state of emergency in the country and announced the closure of the country's main airport due to serious damage, as well as the suspension of metro and train services.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has assigned a red alert to the situation. According to the agency's updated estimates, the probability of deaths between 1 000 and 10 000 people is 39%, and between 10 000 and 100 000 is 37%. Potential economic losses are estimated at 1-4% of Venezuela's GDP.

The United States will send search and rescue teams, medical supplies, and humanitarian resources to the country to support the victims. More than 10 countries, including the United States and Cuba, have expressed solidarity with Venezuela and offered assistance.

These earthquakes were among the most destructive in Venezuela in more than a century.