Caracas, en.SERU.co.id — Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes within just 39 seconds on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. The stronger tremor ranks as the country’s most powerful in over a century, sparking widespread panic and raising fears of extensive damage.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the back-to-back quakes hit while many Venezuelans were at home celebrating a national holiday marking the 1821 military victory that paved the way for independence from Spain.
The 7.5-magnitude event is the strongest recorded in Venezuela or its offshore waters since 1900. Its intensity has heightened concerns about structural collapses and potential casualties.
Same-Day Quakes Worldwide
On the same day, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake rattled the northern California coast in the United States, followed by a 6.9-magnitude quake off Japan’s Iwate Prefecture.
Although the events occurred close in time, experts say they are unrelated, stemming from distinct tectonic settings: active faults in California and Venezuela, and a subduction zone in Japan.
Indonesian disaster expert Daryono from the Indonesian Association of Disaster Experts (IABI) sees the global string of strong quakes as an important reminder for Indonesia, which sits along the volatile Pacific Ring of Fire.
“Earthquake threats are always present and can strike at any moment. That’s why we must continuously improve public preparedness and strengthen infrastructure,” Daryono said, as quoted by Kompas.com on Thursday.
Read Also:
7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Mindanao Philippines Triggering Tsunami Alerts
He emphasized that most earthquake fatalities come not from the shaking itself, but from poorly constructed buildings that collapse.
“Applying earthquake-resistant standards to public facilities, schools, and residential areas is crucial to reducing the risk of deaths,” he added.
Beyond better construction, Daryono urged communities to learn proper safety drills — including drop, cover, and hold — know evacuation routes and prepare emergency kits with essential supplies.
All Indonesians in Venezuela Safe
In the aftermath, Indonesia’s embassy in Caracas quickly accounted for all Indonesian nationals (WNI) in the country. The government confirmed everyone is safe, unharmed, and unaffected by the disaster.
The embassy building and official residence (Wisma Duta) sustained no significant structural damage, and diplomatic staff remain safe while continuing to monitor the situation. (aan/mzm)
