katero
Jun 25, 2026

Back-to-back massive earthquakes rock Venezuela, 'devastating' estimated death toll

First responders attend a damaged building at Los Palos Grandes after earthquakes struck Venezuela and other regions in the Caribbean on June 24, 2026 in Caracas, Venezuela. (Photo by Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)
First responders attend a damaged building at Los Palos Grandes after earthquakes struck Venezuela and other regions in the Caribbean on June 24, 2026, in Caracas, Venezuela. (Photo by Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)

OAN Staff Addie Davis
6:36 AM – Thursday, June 25, 2026

Two massive back-to-back earthquakes rocked Venezuela, with reports of collapsed buildings and high casualties.

Per media reports, Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodríguez provided an update on Thursday morning that at least 164 people died and nearly 1,000 were injured. She had previously noted that the state of La Guaira, north of the capital city of Caracas, on the coast, was reported as the worst hit, with dozens of collapsed buildings.

The foreshock, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, occurred at 6:04 p.m. local time on Wednesday, originating in the north of the country, and was followed just 39 seconds later by the mainshock of 7.5, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Its early estimate put the single most likely statistical outcome of the quakes causing at least 10,000 deaths, at 42%. It also predicted heavy economic losses for the country, ranging from between 1% to 7% of Venezuela’s gross domestic product (GDP).

 
First responders evacuate a person by ambulance at a damaged building site at Los Palos Grandes after earthquakes struck Venezuela and other regions in the Caribbean on June 24, 2026 in Caracas, Venezuela. (Photo by Edilzon Gamez/Getty Images)
First responders evacuate a person by ambulance at a damaged building site at Los Palos Grandes after earthquakes struck Venezuela and other regions in the Caribbean on June 24, 2026, in Caracas, Venezuela. (Photo by Edilzon Gamez/Getty Images)

Numerous countries and world leaders offered support and aid to the South American country, including President Donald Trump, who posted to Truth Social that night.

“The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths,” the U.S. commander-in-chief said.

President Donald Trump Truth Social post
President Donald Trump Truth Social post

Secretary of State Marco Rubio provided more details on the immediate support offered by the U.S.

“America stands with the Venezuelan people during this difficult time and at the direction of President Trump, the State Department is immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela,” Rubio posted to X on Thursday.

The United States extends our deepest condolences to the people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes.

Our hearts are with all those who have lost loved ones, those injured, and the courageous rescue workers working tirelessly in the aftermath.

America stands…

 — Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) June 25, 2026

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Stay informed! Receive breaking news alerts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts 

 

 

What do YOU think? Click here to jump to the comments!


Sponsored Content Below

 

Share this post!

Other posts