Thousands feared dead after back-to-back earthquakes hit Venezuela: As it happened
At least 235 people have been confirmed dead and 4,300 injured after two powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern Caribbean coast, causing widespread destruction in the capital, Caracas, and several other regions. Rescue teams are continuing to search through the rubble for survivors as aftershocks shake the affected areas.
The first quake, measuring magnitude 7.2, was followed less than a minute later by a stronger 7.5 tremor, triggering a large-scale emergency response. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter was located off Venezuela’s northern coast near the city of Morón. The quakes were felt across much of the country, as well as in neighboring Colombia and several Caribbean islands, with more than 20 aftershocks recorded.
The Venezuelan government declared a nationwide state of emergency, deploying the armed forces, civil defense units and emergency services. Schools, public transport and some airports have been temporarily closed, while power, water and communications have been disrupted in several regions.
Simón Bolívar International Airport remains closed until at least Friday due to earthquake damage, while metro and rail services in Caracas have been suspended.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, and said Moscow stands in solidarity with the “friendly Venezuelan people.” The Kremlin said Russia is ready to provide assistance if requested.
China also extended condolences and said it is ready to assist, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun expressing confidence that the Venezuelan people will overcome the disaster and rebuild. Other countries and international organizations, including France, Germany, Türkiye, Iran, the Vatican, the UN and the World Bank, have also pledged assistance or expressed support for relief efforts.
The US also offered assistance despite a history of tensions. President Donald Trump previously boasted that America had “taken over” the country’s oil sector after the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro during a commando raid in January.
The Venezuelan quakes came just hours before a separate magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit Japan’s northern prefectures of Aomori and Iwate, injuring at least eight people, mainly due to falling objects, according to the country’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
The deadliest earthquake in Venezuela’s recent history struck in 1967, killing around 300 people and injuring some 1,600 in Caracas. Another earthquake in the country’s northeast in 1997 killed at least 81 people.
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26 June 2026
00:28 GMTA video emerged from inside a passenger plane shaking on the tarmac at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia when the earthquake struck.
The airport was heavily damaged and suspended operations on Wednesday.
🇻🇪 Así se vivió el doble terremoto desde dentro de un avión que estaba cerca de despegar en el Aeropuerto de Maiquetia, La Guaira, Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/pbbyek3ja1
— Venezuela News (@AgenciaVNews) June 25, 202625 June 2026
23:21 GMTActing President Delcy Rodríguez visited La Guaira, a city on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast that was among the hardest hit by the earthquake.
#Urgente || La presidenta Encargada Delcy Rodríguez visita la Guaira, la zona cero del desastre en Venezuela
— Agencia Venezolana de Noticias (@avnve) June 25, 2026
Esto con el fin de constatar la situación derivada del terremoto que afectó a la entidad venezolana.
Créditos del vídeo: Prensa Presidencial. pic.twitter.com/vYCJmcvuhkA bird’s-eye video shows flattened buildings in La Guaira.
Las imágenes aéreas de los edificios frente a Playa Los Corales, en La Guaira, reflejan la magnitud de una tragedia que ha conmocionado a todo un país. 🙏😳😔 pic.twitter.com/M3KnBOpUfl
— Momentos Virales (@momentoviral) June 25, 2026- 22:56 GMT
The unofficial online database desaparecidosterremotovenezuela.com lists 45,527 people as missing, based on reports submitted by users searching for loved ones.
- 22:18 GMT
Mexico will dispatch 250 military personnel and five rescue dogs to Venezuela, President Claudia Sheinbaum said at a news conference. She added that the country would also send four aircraft carrying medical supplies and emergency equipment.
- 20:46 GMT
The US has pledged $150 million in aid for Venezuela following the earthquakes, the State Department has announced.
The package includes $50 million for humanitarian organizations operating in the country and a $100 million contribution to a UN humanitarian fund, according to the department.
- 20:44 GMT
Video circulating on social media shows extensive destruction in Caracas’ Los Palos Grandes neighborhood following the twin earthquakes.
Collapsed buildings and debris can be seen scattered across the area as emergency crews continue rescue operations.
🇻🇪 | DESASTRE EN VENEZUELA: Palos Grandes: pic.twitter.com/NA8icWdVhU
— Alerta News 24 (@AlertaNews24) June 25, 2026 - 20:25 GMT
RT correspondent Jessica Sosa reports from Caracas, where part of the ceiling in her home collapsed during the earthquake, slightly injuring her young son.
She says growing numbers of people are searching for missing relatives as rescue efforts continue.
- 20:14 GMT
The World Bank Group has said it is in contact with Venezuelan authorities and is “assessing” possible support.
- 20:03 GMT
Video from Caracas shows long queues forming at fuel stations as residents rush to fill their tanks in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes.
Sputnik’s correspondent reported that dozens of motorists and motorcyclists lined up to refuel across the Venezuelan capital.
🇻🇪⛽️ Venezolanos forman largas filas para abastecerse de combustible tras los terremotos
— Sputnik Mundo (@SputnikMundo) June 25, 2026
📍 Decenas de conductores de automóviles y motocicletas formaron largas colas con el fin de abastecer combustible en Caracas, la capital venezolana, según pudo constatar el corresponsal de… pic.twitter.com/r4cmafhIBS
