Explained: Is ‘twin earthquake’ as big as 260 nuclear bombs exploding simultaneously? There is suspicion of 10 thousand deaths in Venezuela, what is going on underground?

June 24, 2026 at 6:04 pm… The land of Venezuela suddenly trembled violently. Before people could regain their composure, just 38 seconds later there was another and even stronger shock. The first earthquake was of 7.2 magnitude and the second was of 7.5 magnitude. These tremors shook the entire city for 60 seconds. This was ‘Earthquake Doublet’ i.e. twin earthquake. This is the biggest earthquake in Venezuela in the last 126 years. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), 10,000 to 100,000 people are expected to die. After all, what is twin earthquake and what are the latest updates of Venezuela…

What is the current scene of devastation in Venezuela?

In Venezuela:

• Many big buildings in Caracas were turned into piles of debris.
• More than 30 buildings alone collapsed about 30 kilometers north of the capital.
• A large part of the roof of Maiketiya International Airport collapsed.
• Landslides also occurred in the mountains near Caracas.

Tsunami warning and shaking up to Japan

The US Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas of the Caribbean region. Alarm bells were sounded for the Venezuelan coast and surrounding islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.

During the same period, an earthquake of 6.9 magnitude occurred in Japan. An earthquake of 5.6 magnitude was also recorded in California. That means, within 24 hours there were three major earthquakes in three continents.

The Venezuelan government lifted the ban on social media platform X. People are taking help of social media to search for missing relatives.

How many deaths have occurred so far in this disaster?

According to US Geological Survey (USGS) estimates, 188 deaths have been recorded. Acting President Delsey Rodriguez confirmed 164 deaths and 971 injuries. According to AP News, this number is 188 deaths and 1,520 injured. However, USGS has also estimated the deaths to be 10 thousand to 1 lakh. Deaths may increase because:

• The earthquake occurred on a holiday, so most people were at home.
• The shallow focus and double shock collapsed more buildings.
• Venezuela is already in an economic crisis, so many buildings are not earthquake resistant.
• There were 30 aftershocks, which caused further damage.

Junction of three fault lines ‘fault triple junction’

Venezuela is one of the most earthquake-sensitive areas in the world. Here is the boundary between the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates. The Caribbean Plate moves eastward about 2 centimeters every year, while the South American Plate moves in the opposite direction. Due to this friction and friction, energy gradually accumulates.

This earthquake occurred at the meeting point of three major fault lines, the Oca-Ancon, El Pilar and Bocon faults. That means three different cracks broke simultaneously and a lot of energy was released.

Why is ‘Twin Earthquake’ special?

Usually a big earthquake is followed by small aftershocks, but in a twin earthquake the intensity of both the shocks is almost equal. After energy is released from a fault line, the pressure there decreases, so it is very rare for such a strong release of energy again.

According to experts, the first aftershock of 7.2 magnitude became the ‘propeller’ of the second aftershock of 7.5 magnitude. According to geologist Eduardo Malagnino, this 7.5 magnitude earthquake released energy equivalent to about 260 nuclear bombs.

What did the Venezuelan government and the world say?

Acting President Delsey Rodriguez declared a national emergency. The La Guaira region was worst affected. Other than this:

• IMF created an emergency fund of 200 million dollars.
• US President Trump promised to send help.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered help.
• Many countries sent rescue teams and relief materials.

So will the earthquake devastation stop?

Scientists believe that the entire energy pressure at the junction of the three fault lines has not been exhausted. More shocks may occur in the coming days and weeks.

Venezuela is already in serious economic and political crisis. In such a situation, it may take years to rebuild buildings, roads, airports and hospitals. The IMF’s $200 million fund is perhaps just the beginning.