Two Major Earthquakes Strike Venezuela, Interrupt Baseball Match

Two powerful earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela on June 24, killing at least 164 people and injuring nearly 1,000, according to initial reports Source: Clarín. The tremors, occurring seconds apart, were felt strongly in Caracas, where a baseball game at the Estadio Universitario was abruptly halted.

What happened during the game

The match between Marineros de Carabobo and Senadores de Caracas was in the first inning when the ground began to shake Source: El Colombiano. Video footage shows players and umpires abandoning their positions as the stadium structure visibly vibrated. Panicked spectators moved onto the field for safety Source: Clarín. The announcer can be heard saying, "Está temblando" Source: Clarín.

Aftermath and response

The league suspended the game and the rest of the day's schedule. No injuries were reported inside the stadium Source: Clarín. Nationwide, the death toll reached 164 with 971 injured and thousands missing, according to official reports Source: Clarín, while a citizen platform reported over 40,000 missing Source: El Colombiano. The US Geological Survey recorded the two quakes at shallow depths of 10–13 km Source: El Colombiano. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, prioritizing search and rescue Source: El Colombiano.