Venezuela earthquakes: PM Modi offers India's full assistance after 7.5 tremor
Synopsis
Two major earthquakes — magnitude 7.1 and 7.5 — struck Venezuela within a minute of each other near the coastal town of Moron, collapsing buildings in Caracas and triggering a national State of Emergency. PM Modi has pledged India's full assistance, but with Maiquetia airport shut and aftershock warnings in place, the humanitarian response faces immediate logistical hurdles.
Key Takeaways
Two earthquakes — magnitude 7.1 and 7.5 — struck near Moron, Venezuela , approximately 160 km west of Caracas , on Wednesday, 25 June at 2204 GMT .
The quakes were shallow at 10 km depth , intensifying surface damage; the USGS warned of likely high casualties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered India's full assistance and condolences via a post on X .
Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a State of Emergency across the entire country.
Maiquetia airport has been closed due to earthquake damage, complicating international aid logistics.
Several buildings collapsed in the Caracas metropolitan area ; residents warned to stay outdoors due to aftershock risk.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 25 June expressed deep distress over the destruction wrought by two powerful earthquakes in Venezuela and pledged India's full support to the South American nation during the crisis. The statement came hours after a pair of major tremors struck in quick succession, sending shockwaves through the capital Caracas and beyond.
The Earthquakes: What Happened
The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a magnitude 7.1 earthquake at 2204 GMT on Wednesday, followed just one minute later by an even stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor. Both struck near the coastal town of Moron, approximately 160 km west of Caracas. The quakes were shallow, with a depth of 10 km — a factor that can significantly amplify surface destruction. The USGS warned that the twin events are likely to result in high casualties and extensive damage.
PM Modi's Response
Taking to X, Prime Minister Modi said, 'Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquakes in Venezuela. On behalf of the people of India, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela, especially to the families who have lost their loved ones.' He added, 'We pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult time,' and affirmed that 'India stands ready to extend all possible assistance.'
Venezuela Declares State of Emergency
Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a State of Emergency across the entire national territory following the quakes. In a post on X, Rodriguez said, 'Following the strong earthquakes recorded this afternoon in the country, we have declared a State of Emergency throughout the national territory. We call on all citizens to remain alert, safe, and as calm as possible.' She also announced the closure of Maiquetia airport due to earthquake-related damage, while confirming that security forces, medical services, and civil protection teams have been deployed for rescue and relief operations.
Damage and Warnings on the Ground
Venezuela's Interior, Justice and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed that the earthquakes caused damage across multiple cities. Several buildings collapsed in the eastern part of the Caracas metropolitan area, though no immediate casualty figures were provided. Cabello urged residents to avoid remaining inside buildings in the coming hours due to the risk of strong aftershocks that could trigger further collapses. The tremors were also felt strongly in several cities across neighbouring Colombia, according to Colombian media reports.
What Comes Next
With a State of Emergency in force and the airport shut, Venezuela's ability to receive international aid could be constrained in the immediate term. India's offer of 'all possible assistance' signals diplomatic readiness, though the specifics of any aid package are yet to be detailed. The international community is watching closely as rescue teams work through the night to assess casualties and structural damage.
Point of View
A region where China has expanded its footprint considerably. Modi's offer of 'all possible assistance' is notable precisely because Venezuela, under US sanctions, has limited access to Western humanitarian channels — making India's non-aligned posture potentially significant. What remains to be seen is whether the pledge translates into concrete aid, or stays at the level of condolence diplomacy. With Maiquetia airport closed and a shallow-depth 7.5 tremor, the humanitarian window is narrow and the logistical challenge real.
NationPress
25 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What earthquakes struck Venezuela on 25 June 2025?
Two powerful earthquakes — magnitude 7.1 followed by magnitude 7.5 just one minute later — struck near the coastal town of Moron, approximately 160 km west of Caracas, on the evening of 25 June 2025. The USGS warned the shallow 10 km-depth tremors are likely to cause high casualties and extensive damage.
What did PM Modi say about the Venezuela earthquakes?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sadness over the devastation and extended condolences to the Venezuelan government and people on behalf of India. He stated that India stands ready to extend all possible assistance and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Has Venezuela declared a State of Emergency?
Yes. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a State of Emergency across the entire national territory following the twin earthquakes. She also announced the closure of Maiquetia airport and confirmed that rescue and relief teams have been deployed nationwide.
What damage has been reported so far?
Several buildings collapsed in the eastern part of the Caracas metropolitan area, according to Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, though no immediate casualty figures were released. The tremors were also felt strongly in neighbouring Colombia. Residents have been warned to avoid staying inside buildings due to aftershock risk.
Why does the shallow depth of the earthquakes matter?
Earthquakes with shallow focal depths — in this case 10 km — release more energy at the surface compared to deeper quakes of the same magnitude. This significantly amplifies ground shaking, structural damage, and the risk of building collapses, which is why the USGS flagged high casualty potential.
