The President of Venezuela revealed that the death toll from two consecutive powerful earthquakes has increased to 164, with nearly 1,000 injured. Meanwhile, rescue teams are rushing to aid residents trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
On Thursday, 25 June 2026, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced that the death toll from two consecutive strong earthquakes that struck the previous night (local time) had risen to at least 164, with 971 people injured.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurred at approximately 18:04 local time on Wednesday, 24 June, with its epicenter about 160 kilometers west of Caracas, followed just 40 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 quake.
The 7.5 magnitude quake is the strongest Venezuela has faced since 1900, causing widespread damage in Caracas, the capital, and surrounding areas. It trapped many under collapsed building debris and was followed by several severe aftershocks.
Rescue workers and local residents climbed over the flattened ruins in darkness to search for survivors and help those trapped under debris. Meanwhile, countries including the United States, China, and India have urgently offered assistance.
Notably, many Venezuelans were at home resting when the earthquake struck, as it coincided with a public holiday.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) reported that more than 100 buildings collapsed in La Guaira, near Caracas. President Rodriguez authorized UN search and rescue teams to operate, providing transport support and other aid.
International rescue teams will focus their efforts mainly in La Guaira and Caracas, while other areas of Venezuela will be managed by civil defense units and local authorities.
However, concerns remain that the death toll could rise into the thousands or even tens of thousands. The USGS used modeling to estimate fatalities, suggesting numbers could reach several thousand and likely exceed 10,000.
Meanwhile, a website established by opposition leaders to track missing persons listed over 10,000 individuals uncontactable as of 05:40 local time on Thursday, 25 June.
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Source:cna