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A powerful earthquake struck Venezuela late on June 24, leaving at least 32 people dead and 700 injured, according to acting President Delcy Rodriguez. The quake, which consisted of two tremors measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 recorded within 40 seconds of each other, caused significant damage across the country, including in the capital Caracas and the city of Valencia.

Coverage Comparison

TASS, the Russian state news agency, provided extensive coverage of the disaster, drawing on official statements, local journalists, and international monitoring services. The news agency reported that the epicenters were located in the state of Yaracuy, ten kilometers apart, and that Caracas was at the epicenter of the earthquake.

According to Venezuelan journalist Jeison Rauseo, speaking to Peru's RPP radio station, the capital suffered heavy damage to infrastructure. "Caracas suffered significant damage from the earthquake," he said, adding that "reports of damage continue to emerge from the central part of the country and farther west." Rauseo also noted that the city of Valencia sustained extensive damage.

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reported that several buildings, including homes, had collapsed in Caracas' earthquake-prone districts of Altamira and Palos Grandes, with casualties and damage reported in other parts of the capital. He also said that gas supplies to homes had been suspended due to building damage, as cited by the El Universal media outlet.

TASS reported that dozens of buildings collapsed in the northern state of La Guaira, and that Maiquetia International Airport in Caracas was closed due to structural damage. The NetBlocks international monitoring service reported internet disruptions in Venezuela after the quake. Transit flights over Venezuela were also suspended, according to a regional air traffic control.

Radio Caracol correspondent Gabriela Gonzalez reported that the earthquake resulted in major damage to residential infrastructure, noting that this scale of damage had not been seen in 40 years.

Key Claims

  • Two tremors measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 were recorded within 40 seconds of each other, with epicenters located in the state of Yaracuy, ten kilometers apart.
  • At least 32 people were killed and 700 injured, according to acting President Delcy Rodriguez.
  • Dozens of buildings collapsed in the state of La Guaira, and several buildings collapsed in Caracas, including in the districts of Altamira and Palos Grandes.
  • The city of Valencia sustained extensive damage.
  • A state of emergency was declared in Venezuela.
  • Maiquetia International Airport in Caracas was closed due to structural damage.
  • Internet disruptions were reported in Venezuela after the quake.
  • Rescue workers from other countries will arrive in Venezuela in the coming hours, according to Rodriguez.

International Reaction

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez over the tragic aftermath of the earthquake. In a telegram published on the Kremlin's website, Putin said: "Please accept my deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of the devastating earthquake in northwestern Venezuela. Please convey my sincere sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, as well as my wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured as a result of this natural disaster." He concluded that Russia expresses solidarity with and support for the friendly people of Venezuela during this difficult time.