Situation Report No.1: Earthquakes in Venezuela (M7.2 and M7.5)

On 24 June 2026, two consecutive earthquakes (M7.2 and M7.5) struck Yaracuy state in north-central Venezuela with ~3.9 million people exposed to severe shaking. The earthquake was felt across several states, including Miranda, Aragua, Yaracuy, Lara, Mérida, Falcón, Carabobo, La Guaira and the Capital District. La Guaira may be among the worst affected –with multiple collapsed buildings, ongoing search and rescue, and a disaster-area declaration – while collapsed buildings and damaged infrastructure are also reported in parts of Caracas and Miranda. Assessments are still ongoing.

PAHO/WHO is supporting health sector coordination with the Ministry of Health, Civil Protection and the Health Cluster—convening partners, supporting evaluations, mapping partner presence and capacity, and engaging regional counterparts on potential donations. It is supporting rapid health facility functionality and damage assessments and identification of urgent needs for medicines, supplies, oxygen, fuel and other critical response needs.