Venezuela (UrbanCast: 6/25/2026) — A powerful earthquake doublet struck northern Venezuela Wednesday when a magnitude 7.2 foreshock was followed just 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 mainshock, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The earthquakes occurred southeast of Yumare, west of Caracas, along the boundary between the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates. The USGS identified the magnitude 7.5 earthquake as the mainshock of the sequence.
According to the USGS, preliminary assessments indicate widespread damage and high casualties are probable. Officials also warned that strong aftershocks could continue in the region.
The shallow earthquakes originated about 10 kilometers beneath the surface. They resulted from strike-slip movement along the Boconó fault system, where the Caribbean Plate moves eastward against the South American Plate.
The USGS classified the event as a severe earthquake doublet. A doublet consists of two earthquakes of similar magnitude occurring close together in both time and location. Scientists say these sequences often reflect a complex interaction between fault ruptures.
Since the doublet, seismic activity has continued. The USGS has recorded a magnitude 4.5 aftershock about 13 kilometers north of Caucagüito and a magnitude 4.4 aftershock about 5 kilometers northeast of Guatire. Both occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers near the Caracas metropolitan area.
Northern Venezuela has experienced several damaging earthquakes throughout its history. However, only seven earthquakes measuring magnitude 6.0 or greater have occurred within about 250 kilometers of Wednesday’s epicenter during the past century.
The region also experienced an earthquake doublet in September 2025. That sequence killed at least one person, injured more than 110 others, and caused extensive structural damage across Zulia and Lara states.
The deadliest modern earthquake in the surrounding region struck near Caracas in 1967. That magnitude 6.6 earthquake killed about 240 people, injured hundreds more, and caused the collapse of multiple high-rise buildings.
Emergency officials continue assessing the damage as search and rescue operations get underway. Authorities also urge residents to remain alert because additional aftershocks are possible.
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