It’s a tragic scene unfolding on the coast of northern Venezuela. As of the evening of June 24, the region has been shaken by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.0 or higher, resulting in a devastating toll of casualties and destruction.
According to the latest update from the Chinese Embassy in Venezuela, as of 4:00 PM local time on June 25, at least two Chinese citizens have been confirmed dead following the “June 24” earthquake. We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected.
The situation on the ground is grim. The Venezuelan Ministry of Health reported late on June 25 that the strong tremors have claimed 235 lives, with injuries soaring to 4,300. The human cost is staggering.
Jorge Rodriguez, President of the National Assembly, shared further grim details: 157 people are still missing, around 200 remain trapped under debris, and 250 buildings have been damaged. In response to the crisis, the United Nations and professional rescue teams from multiple countries have already arrived on the scene to assist.
Interim President Rodriguez declared a state of emergency on June 24, and the main international airport in the capital, Caracas, has been closed to facilitate emergency operations.
For the business community, the impact is immediate. A Guangzhou-based trader with export operations in Venezuela told us that local shutdowns have already disrupted their business activities to some extent. When the ground shakes, commerce stops.
Diana Torres, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, released a statement on June 25 confirming that UN agencies in Venezuela are mobilizing aid resources. They are working closely with the Venezuelan government and partners to support disaster response efforts.
Initial reports indicate that severe damage has hit multiple areas, including Caracas. Many people are still unaccounted for or trapped. Crucial infrastructure has been compromised, leading to interruptions in basic services. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is currently assisting in deploying urban search and rescue teams.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and widespread destruction. He offered sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Guterres voiced strong solidarity with the Venezuelan government and people, welcoming support from member states at this critical moment.
The disaster began around 6:00 PM local time on June 24, 2026. Two strong quakes, both magnitude 7.0 or higher, struck within a minute of each other along the northern coast. The epicenter was near Morón in Carabobo State, approximately 160 kilometers from Caracas.
The Chinese Embassy in Venezuela has issued urgent reminders for Chinese citizens in the country: stay alert for earthquake warnings and disaster updates. Be prepared for aftershocks and secondary disasters like landslides. Keep calm, ensure your safety, and keep your communication devices charged and accessible. If you are in affected areas, move away from the coast immediately and relocate to safe zones.
As a global oil giant, Venezuela holds proven reserves of about 303 billion barrels, accounting for 17% of the world’s total—the highest in the world. Notably, the Montalban region, located just 28 kilometers from the epicenter, hosts some of the country’s largest refineries. Market sources indicate that these facilities have already been紧急 shut down for safety checks.
Geologically, northern Venezuela sits at the collision zone of the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates, with numerous active faults running through the country. This leads to continuous accumulation of crustal energy, resulting in high-frequency and periodic seismic activity. History warns us: the 1967 Caracas earthquake, measuring between 6.5 and 6.7, also caused hundreds of casualties.
