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Twin 7.2-7.5 Quakes Hit Caracas, Thousands Feared Dead

6/25/2026

26 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A doublet quake struck western Venezuela near Caracas on June 24, 2026, with magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 occurring 39 seconds apart.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reported collapsed buildings, activated emergency services, and told residents to stay outdoors.
The U.S. Geological Survey warned of high casualties, estimating 10,000-100,000 deaths.
Authorities issued and lifted a Caribbean tsunami warning within an hour after finding no threat.

History

Historical Context

After the 1906 San Francisco quake on April 18, which killed over 3,000 people and destroyed 80 % of the city, the United States began systematic seismic studies and stricter building codes. Nearly 120 years later, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reported the June 24 2026 double-magnitude 7.2/7.5 earthquake near Caracas, with USGS estimating up to 100,000 fatalities, underscoring the ongoing need for robust seismic standards.

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Story summary

A doublet quake struck western Venezuela near Caracas on June 24, 2026, with magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 occurring 39 seconds apart.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reported collapsed buildings, activated emergency services, and told residents to stay outdoors.
The U.S. Geological Survey warned of high casualties, estimating 10,000-100,000 deaths.
Authorities issued and lifted a Caribbean tsunami warning within an hour after finding no threat.

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