Two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela within 39 seconds of each other on Wednesday evening, causing widespread damage in the capital Caracas.
Several multi-storey buildings collapsed, trapping people under the rubble and leaving rescuers racing to find survivors. Acting president Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency.
The country’s main international airport was closed due to severe damage.
The death toll was not yet known but authorities said they feared heavy casualties. The US Geological Survey said there was a 44 per cent chance that fatalities could exceed 10,000.
Trump says Venezuela earthquakes have left ‘devastating number of deaths’
US president Donald Trump has said initial reports from Venezuela following the twin earthquakes are “not good” and that the temors have “left a devastating number of deaths”.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: “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.
“We will be there for our new and great friends.”
He also pledged US support for the country as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
No official casualty figures have yet been released by Venezuelan authorities, and Trump did not provide any evidence or numbers to support his claim about the death toll.
Maroosha Muzaffar25 June 2026 05:14
Resident says ‘all I can see are shattered objects and glass’
Residents in Caracas describe scenes of fear and destruction after powerful earthquakes struck the Venezuelan capital, forcing many people to flee their homes.
“The natural disaster caused panic in the population. We were forced to leave our homes,” one resident told Al Jazeera.
The resident said her apartment building had suffered significant structural damage, while electricity and internet services had been cut off.
“My building, for example, suffered an important fracture. As of now, we don’t have power or internet, and all I can see are shattered objects and glass,” she added.
According to the resident, at least eight buildings in the Chacao municipality sustained major damage, while several others collapsed completely.
“We could see people on the streets, people afraid to go back to their homes or buildings,” she added.
Maroosha Muzaffar25 June 2026 05:07
Caracas resident recalls horrifying moment struck: ‘Roar coming from the ground’
A Caracas resident has described the terrifying moments she experienced when the first of Venezuela’s powerful earthquakes struck, saying she heard “a roar coming from the ground”.
Speaking to CNN en Español, Amparo Diaz recalled the violent shaking that rattled her apartment building. “The walls were moving, and I felt as if I were in water.”
She added: “The kitchen collapsed. The living room wall is about to fall; one more movement and it will come down.”
“At that moment I only ran out with my rosary, my phone, which I had on me, and my clothes,” she said. “Just now I went back in for a few things because I can’t live there. It’s scary and it could fall.”
Maroosha Muzaffar25 June 2026 05:01
Emergency crews continue searching collapsed buildings in several Caracas districts
Emergency crews continue searching collapsed buildings in several districts of Caracas. In Chacao, Mayor Gustavo Duque Saez said at least two buildings had been completely destroyed.
“In Chacao, no one is alone, and we won’t move from here until every resident is rescued.”
He was quoted as saying by the BBC: “Not only do we have two building which have collapsed but also a list of others whose structure has been compromised.”
Scientists warn that the disaster could have severe consequences. The US Geological Survey has indicated there is a significant risk of heavy casualties and widespread damage.
Officials say more than 20 aftershocks have already been recorded, complicating rescue efforts and forcing many residents to remain outdoors overnight.
Maroosha Muzaffar25 June 2026 04:53
Interior minister urges public to exercise ‘utmost caution’
Venezuela’s interior minister Diosdado Cabello has called on residents to remain vigilant and take extra precautions following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country.
Speaking to local media, Cabello advised people to keep away from buildings and other potentially unsafe structures as authorities continue to assess the damage.
“Go outside, wait calmly outside, and report any situation to the agencies deployed throughout the country,” he said.
Maroosha Muzaffar25 June 2026 04:48
US Geological Survey says 44 per cent probability Venezuela toll could exceed 10,000
The death toll from Venezuela’s twin earthquakes could be severe, according to the US Geological Survey.
The agency warned there was a 44 per cent probability that the death toll could exceed 10,000 and a significant risk of widespread destruction following the back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes.
Rescue teams remain on the ground as authorities work to determine the full scale of casualties and damage.
Maroosha Muzaffar25 June 2026 04:33
Venezuela declares a state of emergency
Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude rocked the country on Wednesday evening.
Hundreds of emergency workers have been deployed to search damaged buildings, while officials have warned residents to stay away from unsafe structures.
More than 20 aftershocks have already been recorded as rescue operations continue across the hardest-hit regions.
Maroosha Muzaffar25 June 2026 04:30
Where did two major earthquakes strike
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coast within 40 seconds of each other on Wednesday evening.
A 7.2-magnitude tremor was recorded near San Felipe before a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake hit close to Yumare in Yaracuy state.
Maroosha Muzaffar25 June 2026 04:26
Fear grips Venezuela after two massive tremors
Fear and uncertainty gripped Venezuela after twin powerful earthquakes rattled the country, leaving cracked buildings, widespread power outages and damaged infrastructure in their wake.
Residents poured into the streets as aftershocks threatened further destruction, with many unwilling to return to their homes. The tremors were felt across Venezuela and even reached Bogota, Colombia.
The disaster struck on a national holiday, meaning many families were at home when the earthquakes hit, potentially increasing the impact on communities across the country.
Maroosha Muzaffar25 June 2026 04:19
US says it is mobilising assistance for Venezuela after earthquakes
The United States has announced emergency assistance for Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes devastated parts of the country, collapsing buildings and trapping people under rubble.
“Working with our partners in the interim Venezuelan government, the US will be sending search and rescue teams, medical and humanitarian supplies and other resources in the crucial first days after this tragic natural disaster,” US State Department official Jeremy Lewin said on X.
Maroosha Muzaffar25 June 2026 04:15