Major back-to-back earthquakes struck opposite sides of the globe within hours, toppling buildings in Venezuela and triggering alarms in Japan.
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck off the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, with tremors felt as far away as the capital, Caracas. Some initial reporting showed the quake with a magnitude of 7.1. Videos circulating on social media captured dramatic scenes as residents rushed out of dilapidated buildings, carrying pets to safety. Another video appeared to show plumes of smoke above destroyed structures.
BREAKING: Buildings have collapsed in San Bernardino Parish in Caracas, Venezuela following 7.1 magnitude earthquake, according to AlbertoRodNews. pic.twitter.com/DGvTmBN2p8
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) June 24, 2026
One minute later, a powerful 7.5 magnitude quake also rocked the region, according to the USGS. Severe damage was reported at one of the country’s airports, social media showed.
The first quake appeared to have been a “foreshock” followed moments later by the larger main quake, according to the New York Times.
It was not immediately clear whether anyone was injured or killed. The earthquakes were among the strongest recorded in Venezuela in more than a century.
BREAKING: Multiple buildings partially collapsed after powerful earthquake hits Venezuela – video pic.twitter.com/D3NmFcSfre
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) June 24, 2026
Severe damage has been reported at Simón Bolívar International Airport following a powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake in Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/xJyievTmJd
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 24, 2026
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami threat for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands following the earthquake, which has since been lifted
A powerful earthquake also struck off Japan’s northern coast on Thursday, but there was no danger of a tsunami, the country’s meteorological agency said.
The quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.9 and occurred off the eastern coast of Iwate, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, according to the Washington Post. Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan is among the most earthquake-prone nations on Earth.
The international quakes followed a milder 5.6 earthquake reported near Northern California on Wednesday morning. Residents from Eureka to Sacramento reported feeling shaking from the earthquake, according to the New York Times.
This is a developing story. Stay with The Daily Wire for updates.
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