Venezuela Earthquakes Highlights: Back-to-back powerful tremors struck the South American country on Wednesday. While a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160 kilometres west of the Venezuelan capital Caracas, a magnitude 7.5 quake followed less than a minute later, according to the US Geological Survey.
Here are the latest updates:
- Magnitude: A massive doublet struck western Venezuela on June 24, 2026, a magnitude 7.2 foreshock followed about 40 seconds later by a 7.5 mainshock, making it the strongest earthquake to hit Venezuela in over 125 years.
- India’s support: PM Modi expressed deep distress over the devastation and said India stands ready to extend all possible assistance to Venezuela.
- Venezuela’s response to India: Acting President Delcy Rodriguez thanked Modi, saying India’s solidarity reflects the long-standing spirit of cooperation between the two nations.
- Death toll and injuries: Casualties from the two back-to-back earthquakes have now risen to around 235. Hundreds more remain trapped underneath rubble. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez had earlier dubbed the La Guaira a “disaster zone” with tens of thousands of families impacted.
- Epicenter location: The first quake was centered near Montalbán at a depth of about 8.2 miles, while the larger 7.5 magnitude quake struck just north of it less than a minute later.
- Tsunami threat: A brief tsunami advisory was issued for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands but was later canceled.
- Infrastructure damage: Internet connectivity dropped sharply across Venezuela as the quakes damaged power and telecom infrastructure, and Simon Bolivar Airport near Caracas temporarily closed after suffering damage.
- US response: Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US was immediately deploying rescue teams and aid under President Trump’s direction.
- Other international aid: Rescue teams were also being sent from the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, and Qatar, while China, Brazil, and several Caribbean nations offered humanitarian aid.
- Severity outlook: USGS estimated a 44% probability of deaths between 10,000 and 100,000, and a 30% chance of exceeding 100,000, given the scale of destruction.s
In cities across northern Venezuela, neighbors helped each other dig through rubble to search for loved ones on Thursday. The injured were pulled out covered in dust and blood, among them children and animals. Venezuelan state TV showed dramatic images of rescues, including a woman who was trapped under a cement slab with only a bare foot poking out before rescuers slid her out alive. But few government search teams were initially seen outside Caracas.
US joins relief operations, deploys aircraft for airlifts
the US has assigned its military forces to support the relief efforts in Venezuela. Acting at the direction of the US Department of State, the Southern Command has deployed "C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft" for a major humanitarian airlift operation.
The deployment is designed to provide immediate, high-capacity support to areas hardest hit by the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 tremors, which have caused widespread structural collapse, significant casualties, and critical infrastructure damage across the nation.
The US has assigned its military forces to support the relief efforts in Venezuela. Acting at the direction of the US Department of State, the Southern Command has deployed "C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft" for a major humanitarian airlift operation. response teams into disaster zones. The C-130 Hercules is the U.S. military's tactical workhorse with a long history of providing critical airlift support in crises to help communities get immediate help. SOUTHCOM is surging available assigned U.S. military forces in our region to support @StateDept-led U.S. government relief operations in Venezuela, following the devastating earthquakes that struck the nation June 24, 2026," the SOUTHCOM wrote in a post on X.T
Global relief surge reaches Venezuela
Humanitarian efforts are underway in Venezuela and multiple countries have volunteered resources to aid the country as it races against time to rescue people. Hundreds of citizens have volunteered to deliver water, food, medicines, and supplies to the affected communities in Caraballeda and Vargas.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's Vente Venezuela party wrote on X that as a part of a solidarity response, these volunteers are also collecting water, non-perishable food, medical supplies, clothing, and essential items.
"24 hours have passed since the earthquakes and, in Vargas state, the solidarity of the Venezuelan people is once again breaking through amid the tragedy. Hundreds of motorbike riders have organized to deliver water, food, medicines, and supplies to the affected communities. They are citizens who, without expecting anything in return, have decided to become a bridge of hope for those who need it most today," the post read.
Caracas airport remains shut
The coastal region of La Guaira — north of the capital, Caracas — suffered some of the heaviest damage and casualties. The country’s main airport is there and was closed due to damage, complicating aid efforts.
Oil infrastructure mostly untouched
Details shared online suggest that the country's economically vital oil sector was not severely impacted by the quakes. According to a Reuters report, foreign energy companies have said their operations had not suffered major disruption and oil infrastructure appeared largely spared.
US waives some sanctions to aid relief measures
In response to the devastation, the US Treasury on Thursday moved to waive some sanctions until October 23 to allow transactions related to earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela that would otherwise be prohibited.
Venezuela Health minister says 4,300 injured in catastrophic earthquakes
Venezuelans are still searching for survivors beneath collapsed buildings, with rescue teams racing to northern areas rocked by a pair of powerful earthquakes that officials say killed around 235 people and left at least 4,300 people injured. The latest figures came from Health Minister Carlos Alvarado on Thursday evening.
Venezuela Health minister says 4,300 injured in catastrophic earthquakes
Venezuelans are still searching for survivors beneath collapsed buildings, with rescue teams racing to northern areas rocked by a pair of powerful earthquakes that officials say killed around 235 people and left at least 4,300 people injured. The latest figures came from Health Minister Carlos Alvarado on Thursday evening.
More than 46,000 people may be unaccounted for
The U.S. Geological Survey's predictive modeling indicated the death toll was likely to rise into the thousands, with a substantial probability of exceeding 10,000.
According to a Reuters update, a website created to track missing people and shared by opposition leaders listed more than 46,000 people as unaccounted for shortly after 7 p.m. (2300 GMT).
Death toll from Venezuela earthquakes rises to around 235
The death toll from two back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to around 235, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said in an interview with state television on Thursday.
"We've unfortunately received about 235 patients who arrive without vital signs or who pass away as they're arriving at our health centres," Alvarado said.
Death toll from Venezuela earthquakes rises to around 235
The death toll from two back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to around 235, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said in an interview with state television on Thursday.
"We've unfortunately received about 235 patients who arrive without vital signs or who pass away as they're arriving at our health centres," Alvarado said.
La Guaira state remains 'disaster zone'
La Guaira, the coastal state adjoining Caracas and home to the capital's main airport, was among the hardest-hit areas. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said some 70,000 families had been affected in this area.
"It has become a disaster zone," acting President Rodriguez said soon after the earthquakes.
She added that the government was working with private companies to bring in heavy equipment and speed up rescues.
But in many areas, residents said official help had been slow to arrive. Locals told Reuters that their family members remained trapped under the debris, with no machinery available for rescue work. Electricity remained scarce in parts of the state, and volunteers in La Guaira city were reportedly digging through wreckage with their bare hands.
Along the Caracas-La Guaira highway, streams of civilians headed toward the coast carrying water, food and medicine, stepping in as the scale of the disaster overwhelmed initial rescue efforts.
UN assures support as rescue ops continue
"I have spoken with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, who has expressed to me his deepest solidarity with the Venezuelan people and his condolences for the tragedy that is mourning Venezuela. The United Nations has expressed to us its full willingness to mobilize the capabilities of its system and its agencies, with the purpose of supporting the efforts to address the emergency that our country is facing," Acting President Delcy Rodriguez shared via X.
Death toll rises to 188, hundreds trapped under rubble
According to a Reuters report, the death toll has now risen to 188, while at least 200 others remain trapped underneath the rubble. The update came from Jorge Rodriguez, head of Venezuela's national assembly and brother of interim President Delcy Rodriguez.
He revealed on Thursday afternoon that 188 people had been confirmed dead, 200 were trapped, and another 1,520 had been hospitalised. He also said 250 buildings were damaged or destroyed.
Aerial footage of destruction in La Guaira, Venezuela
Aerial footage of destruction in La Guaira, Venezuela pic.twitter.com/4yDhXS6VBb
— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) June 25, 2026
IMF says monitoring Venezuela quake impact, remains in contact with authorities
The International Monetary Fund said it is monitoring developments in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the country, with thousands feared dead. IMF spokeswoman Julie Kozack said the lender will remain engaged with Venezuelan authorities as they assess their needs in the aftermath of the disaster.
World leaders express solidarity after deadly Venezuela earthquakes
World leaders on Thursday expressed condolences and offered assistance after powerful earthquakes in Venezuela killed at least 164 people and injured more than 1,000. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes also left many trapped under collapsed buildings as rescue operations continued.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is “immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance” to Venezuela. French President Emmanuel Macron announced 85 rescue workers are being deployed, while Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said his government is assessing possible aid measures.
China’s Foreign Ministry said it is ready to assist Venezuela “to the best of its ability,” and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Colombian leaders also expressed solidarity with victims and their families.
China pledges support to Venezuela after deadly earthquakes
Beijing has pledged full support to Venezuela following the devastating twin earthquakes that have killed at least 164 people. China’s Foreign Ministry said no Chinese citizens have been reported among the casualties or injured so far. The statement comes as international assistance begins to mobilize for rescue and relief operations in the affected regions. China said it stands ready to assist Venezuela in its recovery efforts following the disaster.
Venezuela Earthquakes LIVE: At least 164 dead after powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela
At least 164 people have been killed and 971 injured after a pair of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said Thursday. She had earlier put the death toll at 32, warning that figures were expected to rise as rescue operations continued. The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, are among the strongest to hit the country in more than a century and caused widespread destruction across several states.
Venezuela Earthquakes LIVE: UN-Certified Rescue Teams Head to Venezuela
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said specialist rescue teams certified by the United Nations are on their way to Venezuela to assist in the search for survivors following the deadly earthquakes.
The international rescuers “are already on their way to our country to support” relief efforts, Rodríguez said in a televised address, adding that she had spoken with several world leaders and the UN coordinator in Venezuela.
Several countries, including France and Switzerland, have already announced plans to send rescue personnel and equipment to support recovery operations in the earthquake-hit nation.
Venezuela Earthquakes LIVE: Ukraine Expresses Solidarity With Venezuela After Earthquakes
Ukraine has joined the growing list of countries offering support to Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X.
“We wish a speedy recovery to the injured and strength to the rescue teams working tirelessly on the ground. We trust that all affected communities will be able to recover from this tragic catastrophe as soon as possible. Stay strong, Venezuelans!” he added.
Venezuela Earthquakes LIVE: USGS Explains Rare ‘Doublet’ Earthquake Sequence in Venezuela
The powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela formed what the US Geological Survey (USGS) describes as a rare “doublet” sequence, where two earthquakes of similar strength occur close together in time and location.
In this case, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake was followed by a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake just 38 seconds later. According to the USGS, the pattern suggests a complex rupture process in which one earthquake may have helped trigger the other.
Unlike a typical earthquake sequence, where a major quake is followed by smaller aftershocks, doublets involve two large tremors occurring within a short period. While uncommon, such events are not unprecedented in the region. Northern Venezuela experienced a similar doublet in September 2025, when 6.2- and 6.3-magnitude earthquakes caused at least one death and more than 100 injuries.
The devastating February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, which killed more than 55,000 people, were also classified as a doublet sequence.
Venezuela Earthquakes LIVE: Switzerland Sends Rescue Team and Equipment to Venezuela
Switzerland has announced it will deploy a rescue mission to support earthquake-hit Venezuela, including personnel, rescue dogs and emergency equipment.
In a statement, the government said it had mobilised the Swiss Rescue Chain, consisting of 80 members, eight rescue dogs and 18 tonnes of rescue equipment, which will be sent to Venezuela as soon as possible.
The announcement comes as rescue workers continue searching through collapsed buildings for survivors, while residents in Caracas remain shaken after being forced to flee into the streets during the powerful earthquakes.
Venezuela Earthquakes LIVE: Putin Expresses Solidarity With Venezuela After Quakes
Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered condolences to Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes, expressing support for the country as rescue efforts continue.
“We express our feelings of solidarity and support to the friendly Venezuelan people during this difficult time,” Putin said, according to a Kremlin statement.
The earthquakes have killed at least 164 people and injured nearly 1,000 others, while rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
Venezuela Earthquakes LIVE: Czech Republic Offers Humanitarian Aid to Venezuela
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis expressed his condolences to the Venezuelan people following the devastating earthquakes and said his country is ready to provide assistance.
“My thoughts are with the families of the victims and with all Venezuelans affected by this tragedy,” Babis said.
He added that the Czech Republic stands ready to deliver immediate humanitarian aid and support rescue operations as recovery efforts continue.
Venezuela Earthquakes LIVE: Quake could cost Venezuela billions
The 7.5-magnitude earthquake near Yumare is expected to cause significant economic damage to Venezuela, with the US Geological Survey (USGS) estimating losses could equal 1% to 7% of the country's GDP. The agency issued a red alert for economic losses, warning of severe structural damage and widespread disruption.
USGS estimates suggest the disaster could result in billions of dollars in losses due to damage to homes, roads, public infrastructure and businesses in major urban centres, including Caracas, Valencia and Puerto Cabello. The agency also noted that the prevalence of vulnerable buildings, such as unreinforced masonry and adobe structures, could worsen the destruction and slow recovery efforts.
Venezuela Earthquakes LIVE: US Expects Clearer Picture of Venezuela’s Needs Within 48 Hours
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a more comprehensive assessment of Venezuela’s situation will be possible within the next 48 hours as rescue teams and authorities evaluate the full extent of the earthquake damage.
“The second phase, of course, will be identifying their longer-term and acute needs,” Rubio told reporters in Bahrain.
He said a clearer picture would emerge once teams are on the ground and Venezuelan officials gain better visibility into damage to homes and infrastructure.
Rubio also said the United States is exploring ways to help Venezuela restore internet and telecommunications services disrupted by the earthquakes.
Venezuela Earthquakes LIVE: Spain Places 54 Military Rescuers on Standby for Venezuela
Spain’s Defence Ministry said 54 army rescuers are ready to assist Venezuela in the aftermath of the devastating twin earthquakes.
In a post on X, the ministry said the emergency response contingent includes specially trained search-and-rescue dogs as well as advanced equipment such as rescue cameras and geophones, which can help locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.
The team remains on standby as international support efforts for Venezuela continue to expand.
Venezuela Earthquakes LIVE: US to Assess Venezuela’s Longer-Term Needs After Initial Rescue Phase
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a clearer picture of Venezuela’s recovery needs will emerge over the next 48 hours as rescue teams and local authorities assess the full extent of the earthquake damage.
“The second phase, of course, will be identifying their longer-term and acute needs,” Rubio told reporters in Manama, Bahrain.
He said a better assessment would be possible once teams are on the ground and Venezuelan authorities have greater visibility into damage to housing and infrastructure.
Rubio also said the United States is exploring ways to help Venezuela restore internet and telecommunications services disrupted by the earthquakes.
Venezuela Earthquakes LIVE: France Deploys 85 Rescue Specialists to Venezuela
French President Emmanuel Macron said France is immediately dispatching a team of 85 search-and-rescue specialists to Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes.
Macron said he spoke with acting President Delcy Rodríguez to express solidarity with the Venezuelan people and reaffirm France’s support during the crisis.
He added that France and its international partners stand ready to provide further assistance as rescue and recovery efforts continue across the country.