Venezuela Records Over 1,331 Aftershocks Following Deadly June Earthquakes

Seismic Activity Trends Since June 24

The seismic sequence triggered by the dual earthquakes on June 24, 2026—which registered magnitudes of approximately 7.2 and 7.5 according to previous reports—remains active across the nation. While the initial events caused a humanitarian crisis and significant casualties, current data suggests the frequency and intensity of tremors are shifting. According to the president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, who disseminated data from FUNVISIS, the number of aftershocks reported in the nine days prior to July 17 reached 1,331.

Analysis of the data indicates that while the system of faults remains active, the energy release is characterized largely by lower-magnitude events. In a broadcast of the program Mapa de Conflicto, Marcos Salgado analyzed official FUNVISIS data covering nearly 600 hours of activity. For the week of July 10–16, the figures show that in the range of magnitudes lower than 3, there were 12 sismos in the west, 160 in the center, and 8 in the east. For sismos between magnitude 3 and 4, the balance showed 11 events in the west, 10 in the center, and 7 in the east. During that same week, only one sismo was recorded between magnitude 4 and 5, and no event exceeded magnitude 5.

Geological Distribution and Regional Impact

Geological assessments indicate that the aftershocks are distributed across several of Venezuela’s major fault systems, including Boconó, Morón, and San Sebastián, which are influenced by the convergence of the South American and Caribbean tectonic plates. Geologist Luiraima Salazar, an engineer who graduated from the Central University of Venezuela, has been evaluating the phenomenon autonomously using data from FUNVISIS, the Colombian Geological Service (SGC), and international sources. Her report, updated to July 16, details regional activity:

• Occidente: Sismos of magnitude 3.0 occurred west of Machiques and 3.1 southeast of Villa del Rosario, linked to the Perijá fault system and the Maracaibo block.
• Centro-occidental and Central: Events averaging magnitude 3.0 were reported in Boca de Aroa, Acarigua, and near Maracay. Persistent low-magnitude replicas (2.1-2.8) have been recorded in San Felipe, El Tocuyo, Los Teques, Guarenas, La Victoria, La Guaira, and Naiguatá.
• Oriente: Notable events include a magnitude 4.4 sismo on July 13 and a 4.2 sismo near Irapa, alongside activity in Macuro, Güiria, Pedernales, and Barcelona, associated with the Urica fault system and the El Pilar fault.

Official Outlook and Public Safety

Despite the high number of replicas—exceeding thousands in the period immediately following the June 24 event—experts caution that the current data does not allow for long-term predictions. Salazar noted, La ocurrencia de eventos pequeños no permite predecir un terremoto mayor ni tampoco significa que toda la energía y esfuerzos tectónicos hayan sido liberados.

Authorities maintain that the situation remains under observation. Jorge Rodríguez stated that while the decrease in magnitude is a reality, it does not mean risks have vanished entirely. Eso no necesariamente quiere decir que se disipa por completo los riesgos, pero la realidad es que han disminuido y su magnitud, Rodríguez noted. He added, En el momento que desaparezca (el riesgo) por completo, se lo haremos saber.