VENEZUELA — Two powerful earthquakes, measuring M7.2 and M7.5 on the Richter scale, struck downtown Caracas back-to-back, causing older buildings to crumble like they were built on sand and collapse into the streets. Social media platforms like X are filled with unverified videos, conspiracy theories, and unrelated images from other incidents or AI-generated content.

The first quake struck at a depth of 10–21 km near San Felipe (Yaracuy), followed just 39 seconds later by another powerful tremor in the Yaracuy region.

For some extra context, Venezuela’s northern coast lies about 1,200 to 1,800 miles from the southernmost points of Florida and Texas in the United States. Because of this distance, the effects of these shocks can’t reach the U.S. and are confined to Venezuela, nearby Caribbean islands, and parts of northern South America.

Videos online capture the heartbreaking scene of buildings collapsing into each other and crumbling like a stack of cards, with people scrambling through fallen debris and dogs running for their lives. It’s tough to watch, but there’s a strong desire for the truth. This article will share only verified and trusted sources.

We’ll only be reporting information from verified sources, since there are plenty of conspiracy theories and videos designed to mislead readers and followers. Some of these come from AI, while others are related to different incidents or construction events.

AN UNIFIED GLOBAL RESPONSE

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

USAR – USA-2

The International USAR Team, known as “USA-2,” has been activated by the State Department to respond to the country of Venezuela after quakes shook the country. The unit consists of 71 members, six (6) K9 teams, 84,000 pounds of equipment and will tie in with VA Task Force 1. Their focus will be on SAR and recovery assistance.

Source | L.A. County

USAR – VA-TF1 (USA001 / Urban SAR)

This Virginia-based team is on the scene of a Country severely damaged and with catastrophic structural damage, prompting the President of the United States to give the State Department approval to send U.S. resources to help with SAR and recovery. This team is made up of 80 members, along with six (6) K9 dog teams specializing in SAR and other miscellaneous support personnel.

Source | VA-TF1

WORLD KITCHEN

The World Kitchen, a non-profit humanitarian organization, pledged on June 24, 2026, one million dollars from the LT Fund to help Venezuela earthquake victims and support their operational arm, which had mobilized on this date.

Source | Chef Jose’ Andres

U.S. SOUTHERN COMMAND – SOUTH COM

SOUTHCOM Leadership has arrived at the epicenter in the country of Venezuela today to coordinate Earthquake Relief Support, to be led by U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrad. He will be considered the Senior Official on the ground and working closely with responding partners to plan, coordinate, and direct the military. It is unknown if they will be following the ICS.

As of two hours ago, the U.S. Military released a statement stating rotary-wing aircraft are being used for air reconnaissance and rescuing survivors as they fly on disaster relief missions.

Source & Photo Credit | U.S. Department of War Public Affairs Office

EL SALVADOR

According to government sources, many rescuers arrived in the Country of Venezuela on June 24, 2026, and were greeted with open arms by the Interim President Delcy Rodriguez.

  • 250 military members
  • 5 K9 units
  • 4 Aircraft
  • 1 Drone

A State of Emergency was declared by the interim President, after multiple shocks continued shaking the area and causing more structural damage and threatening the lives of hundreds, if not thousands.

Sources | World Kitchen (content) and Photo Credit | Venezuelan Leader, Delcy Rodriguez

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Photo Credit | Delcy Rodríguez, President of the Dominican Republic

SWITZERLAND

SWISS MFA

The Swiss Rescue Chain has just departed from Zurich (Germany) and will be landing in Caracas, about a 10-hour flight for the normal operation period without any weather-related events or interruptions.

Source | Swiss MFA

ARGENTINA

The Armed Forces are or will be deploying specialized teams which be operating in cooperation with other SAR teams and providing humanitarian aid to the victims impacted by these tragic events within Venezuela.

Source | Ministry of Defense – Argentina

Other International Organizations

SAMARITAN’S PURSE

Samaritan’s Purse, an International relief organization, is sending Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) via their Colombia country office and responding to Venezuela, which will help with medical, water, sanitation, and hygiene needs. More than 180 people have been reportedly killed, and thousands have been injured. Donations —> Samaritan’s Purse Responding to Venezuela Quakes

THROUGH THE EYES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

LA Co SO Office, Los Angeles County, California (USA)

“Our hearts are with the people of Venezuela who have lost loved ones, and as they begin the difficult process of recovery following this devastating earthquake,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna.

Natural disasters remind us how quickly lives can be changed and how important it is for communities to come together during times of crisis. Here in Los Angeles County, we live in a region where a major earthquake is not a matter of if, but when. While our Department continuously trains and prepares for large-scale emergencies, every resident plays a critical role in preparedness. I encourage everyone to take time today to create an emergency plan, build a disaster supply kit, and have a conversation with their loved ones about what to do when the next major earthquake occurs.”  

Being prepared today can make a significant difference when disaster strikes.   The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department works closely with local, state, and federal partners year-round to plan, train, and prepare for major emergencies, including significant seismic events. However, community resilience depends on a shared commitment to preparedness. We encourage all residents to review their emergency plans, update their disaster supply kits, and familiarize themselves with available preparedness resources.

Resident / Social Media User

“Tsunami Alert and aftershocks continue in Venezuela, felt in Curaçao, Aruba, and parts of Colombia.”

Texas Rangers (USA Baseball Pro Team)

“Our hearts are with everyone affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.”

Live Storm Chasers (US Organization)

“Extensive damage to multiple cities across Venezuela, including collapsed buildings, is being reported!” This was on one of the websites on Social Media after a M7.1 quake was reported to have shaken near the Coast of Venezuela, prompting a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The British Virgin Islands Officials were monitoring the event.

Disclaimer: Portions of this article may have been restructured with the assistance of AI; however, all content remains the exclusive property of the NW Fire Blog. All source materials referenced have been properly cited out of respect.

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