InternationalThursday, 25 June 2026·The Hindu - International
Venezuela earthquakes of June 2026: USGS 7.1 and 7.5 quakes, tsunami alerts and Caracas damage
Two major earthquakes struck Venezuela on 24 June 2026, with USGS reporting magnitudes 7.1 and 7.5 and tsunami alerts issued for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In June 2026, Venezuela was hit by back-to-back earthquakes on Wednesday, 24 June, when the USGS reported magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5 near Morón on the Caribbean coast, about 168 km west of Caracas.
Key specifics
- The first quake measured 7.1 magnitude with a depth of 13 km, according to the USGS.
- The second quake measured 7.5 magnitude with a depth of 10 km and its epicentre was 16 km southwest of Morón.
- The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued tsunami alerts for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
- Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, saw buildings collapse and residents evacuate swaying structures.
- Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the quake was felt in several states and that Altamira had collapsed homes and buildings.
Exam lens
Question type: International geography and disaster management, match the following and location-based MCQs; key facts: USGS, 7.1 and 7.5 magnitude, Morón, Caracas, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands. TNPSC may ask which agency issued the tsunami alert or where the epicentre was located.