At least 235 people have died and about 40,000 people are missing following powerful back-to-back earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday.
Rescuers continue to search among huge mounds of rubble after two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck within 39 seconds of each other west of Caracas on Wednesday afternoon. Venezuela’s health minister said around 4,300 were hurt, according to the Associated Press.
Venezuelans have described the scene in the country as “like a horror movie”, as emergency workers scrambled through the damage while dazed survivors were rushed away on stretchers.
Meanwhile, families are desperately seeking help for their loved ones who are feared trapped.
"We had to climb over the rubble and everything,” said Maria Alejandra. “The building superintendent with the baby and all the neighbors coming down. But from that building, I only saw that one family got out."
Interim president Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency after the earthquakes caused building collapses in Caracas and forced the closure of the country’s main international airport.
The US Geological Survey said there was a 44 per cent probability that fatalities could exceed 10,000.
Read MoreMapped: Death toll feared to exceed 10,000 after powerful twin earthquakes hit Venezuela
Venezuela hit by powerful back-to-back earthquakes
What is an earthquake ‘doublet’ and why is Venezuela prone to deadly tremors?
Venezuelans in US launch aid drives after earthquakes despite Caracas airport closure
Key Points
- Death toll rises to more than 180, according to acting president
- More than 40,000 people reported missing in Venezuela
- President of National Assembly says 250 buildings damaged or lost
- Army and heavy machinery to be deployed to worst hit areas
UN will 'mobilize the capabilities of its system' to help Venezuelans: Delcy Rodríguez
04:45 , Rachel DobkinThe United Nations will “mobilize the capabilities of its system and its agencies” to help Venezuelans in the aftermath of back-to-back earthquakes, the country’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez has said.
“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”, Rodríguez wrote on X.
In a follow-up post, the Venezuelan interim president said the UN “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”.
In pictures: Buildings turn to rubble after back-to-back earthquakes
04:15 , Rachel Dobkin
ICYMI: Trump offers to help ‘great friends’ in Venezuela after devastating earthquakes leave dozens dead
03:45 , Owen ScottUS President Trump has offered help to his “great friends” in Venezuela after back-to-back earthquakes left dozens of people dead.
Early estimates suggest thousands of people may have been killed after the two earthquakes hit an area west of Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
“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”, Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help!”
Read on...
Trump offers to help ‘great friends’ in Venezuela after devastating earthquakes
Venezuelan earthquake survivor: 'I thought I was going to die'
03:15 , Rachel DobkinA survivor of the earthquakes in Venezuela has recalled his harrowing escape.
“I thought I was going to die. You could hear pieces of concrete breaking off the walls”, Billy Ebrin of Caracas told Al Jazeera.
Ebrin and hundreds of his neighbors ran to the ground floor of his apartment building when the shaking from the back-to-back earthquakes stopped.
“People were bumping into each other in the confusion: elderly people, people carrying their pets, even squirrels and parrots”, Ebrin said. “There were people in their underwear”.
Ebrin called the experience “terrifying”.
Death toll jumps
03:12 , Alex LangThe death toll from the Venezuela earthquakes now sits at roughly 235, the country’s health minister said and reported by the Associated Press.
The number injured now sits at 4,300.
Watch: Venezuelan resident films terrifying high-rise escape as building crumbles during earthquake
02:45 , Rachel DobkinBrazil sends 'nine tons of equipment' to help Venezuelans, president says
02:15 , Rachel DobkinBrazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has announced that his country has deployed “nine tons of equipment to assist in the search and rescue of victims” affected by the two earthquakes in Venezuela.
Lula said the equipment will be sent on Friday with 36 firefighters and eight technicians.
“On Saturday, we will send another flight with equipment for setting up a field hospital, one hundred solar-powered water purifiers, medications, and medical supplies for surgeries.
“We will continue to monitor the progress of the rescue operations for the victims in order to provide all necessary support to our Venezuelan brothers and sisters”, the Brazilian leader wrote on X.
Venezuelan lawmaker emphasizes importance of rescue efforts
01:45 , Rachel DobkinJorge Rodríguez, the president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, has emphasized the importance of rescue efforts following the two devastating earthquakes.
"This is the time to rescue people and attend to those under the rubble”, he said, per the country’s Ministry of Communication and Information.
Venezuelan leader shares photos of Dominican Republic first responders deployment
01:15 , Rachel DobkinActing president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, has shared photos of first responders from the Dominican Republic deploying to her country to help in the aftermath of the earthquakes.
Se encuentran ya en camino hacia nuestro país los primeros rescatistas provenientes de República Dominicana, para apoyar las labores de atención al pueblo venezolano ante esta terrible tragedia. pic.twitter.com/1cXfa5LVfD
— Delcy Rodríguez (@delcyrodriguezv) June 25, 2026
US deploying emergency response teams in Venezuela
Friday 26 June 2026 00:45 , Rachel DobkinThe US State Department has announced it will deploy a regional Disaster Assistance Response Team and urban search-and-rescue teams to help Venezuelans following the deadly earthquakes.
🛫 U.S. search and rescue teams are already en route to Venezuela and more support is coming. pic.twitter.com/rlLEsHjrHO
— Department of State (@StateDept) June 25, 2026
Delcy Rodríguez convenes a 'National Ecumenical Prayer' in earthquake aftermath
Friday 26 June 2026 00:15 , Rachel DobkinActing president Delcy Rodríguez has convened a “National Ecumenical Prayer” as Venezuela reels from two devastating earthquakes.
Rodríguez “made a call for spiritual unity and solidarity among all Venezuelans,” the country’s Ministry of Communication and Information announced on social media.
Pictured: Damaged buildings and streets following earthquake
Thursday 25 June 2026 23:45 , Rebecca Whittaker
Army and heavy machinery to be deployed to worst hit areas
Thursday 25 June 2026 23:15 , Rebecca WhittakerThe Venezuelan government has deployed the army and sent heavy machinery to the worst hit areas to help remove large amounts of debris.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez met with the army's general staff to coordinate urgent relief measures for La Guaira state.
In addition to removing rubble, the army is set to organise support logistics for water, food, blankets, and mattresses, as many people have lost their homes.
What to know about earthquake early warning systems
Thursday 25 June 2026 22:45 , Rebecca WhittakerAs earthquakes struck from California to Venezuela to Japan, millions of people received warnings on their mobile phones, providing critical seconds to seek protection.
Venezuela was struck with a pair of deadly earthquakes Wednesday evening and Thursday morning that brought significant shaking to the northern coast of Japan. Earlier in the week residents in the U.S. state of California experienced a moderate earthquake, and at the start of June, 37 people in the Philippines died in a quake near Mindanao.
Many nations have developed systems for alerting people seconds before shaking begins, and even in countries like Venezuela that do not have such systems, Google Android Earthquake Alerts can send important warnings.
Read more here:
What to know about earthquake early warning systems
Deadliest earthquakes in Latin America revealed after Venezuela ‘doublet’
Thursday 25 June 2026 22:15 , Rebecca WhittakerVenezuela was struck by rare, deadly back-to-back earthquakes on Wednesday, leaving hundreds dead or injured.
Rescuers are combing the rubble, searching for tens of thousands of people who have been reported missing after the disaster.
Here are some of the deadliest earthquakes in South and Central America in the past century...
Deadliest earthquakes in Latin America revealed after Venezuela ‘doublet’
Venezuelans in the US rush to send aid to earthquake victims
Thursday 25 June 2026 21:45 , Rebecca WhittakerVenezuelans in the US are rushing to organize donation drives following the devastating earthquakes that officials say killed at least 188 people.
Oscar Torres and thousands of others have been posting messages to a WhatsApp group that connects people in Venezuela with their families.
He lives in Doral, Florida, a city outside Miami that's home to the largest Venezuelan population in the US.
"Already this morning, I was looking at the group in Doral and everybody's pitching in — money, medicine, water. First, necessity items," said Torres, a sales manager who moved to the US from Venezuela in 1995.
"They're talking about making the first shipment ASAP."
More than 40,000 people missing following earthquake
Thursday 25 June 2026 21:26 , Rebecca WhittakerThe number of people reported missing has risen to more than 40,000 with 188 people dead.
According to a website set up for Venezuelans to report missing loved ones following the earthquake, 41,621 people are currently missing.
It also says more than 4,000 people have been located after being reported missing.
Watch: Venezuela earthquake: Rescue efforts underway as two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Caracas
Thursday 25 June 2026 21:15 , Rebecca WhittakerHumanitarian worker recalls moment earthquake hit Venezuela
Thursday 25 June 2026 20:45 , Rebecca WhittakerA humanitarian worker in Venezuela said he was at a two-year-old’s birthday party when the earthquake struck causing “screaming, crying and yelling”.
Speaking to Sky News Jankiel Rosenwald, a humanitarian adviser with World Vision Venezuela, said: "I was on a rooftop, celebrating a two-year-old's birthday. So I was surrounded by children, mothers, families, and it was very nerve-wracking, very chaotic.
“I was able to grab hold of my six-year-old and my wife and look for a wall to create the safety triangle. Mostly, it was screaming. It was crying, yelling."
‘It looked like a war’: Venezuelans recall horror moment earthquake sent buildings crashing to ground
Thursday 25 June 2026 20:15 , Rebecca WhittakerVenezuelans have described the horrific moment that two powerful earthquakes struck in 39 seconds in Caracas, leaving at least 164 people dead and over 10,000 missing.
Witnesses recalled how the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes - the most powerful seen in the country in over a century - caused buildings to collapse and sent panicked residents pouring into the streets.
Read more here:
Venezuelans recall horror moment earthquake sent buildings crashing to ground
Pictured: The aftermath of the earthquake in Catia La Mar
Thursday 25 June 2026 19:45 , Rebecca Whittaker
President of National Assembly says 250 buildings damaged or lost
Thursday 25 June 2026 19:15 , Rebecca WhittakerAbout 250 buildings have been damaged or lost, in La Guaira, according to President of the National Assembly Jorge Rodríguez.
Speaking on Telesur, a Caracas-based pan-American TV channel, he confirmed the arrival of specialist rescue teams from the US, Mexico, Spain, Qatar, and the UN.
He also said acting President Delcy Rodríguez has requested for the creation of a $200m fund for assistance, the BBC reported,
More than 30,000 missing and 164 dead after Venezuela’s worst earthquake in a century
Thursday 25 June 2026 18:46 , Rebecca WhittakerAt least 164 people have died and more than 30,000 remain missing after two powerful earthquakes rocked Venezuela just 39 seconds apart.
Rescue teams were combing through rubble in Caracas on Thursday in search of victims amid fears that tens of thousands of people may have been killed Venezuela's worst earthquake in a century.
The magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160 k.m. west of the capital on Wednesday evening, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Read more here:
More than 30,000 missing and 164 dead after Venezuela’s worst earthquake in a century
Death toll rises to more than 180, according to acting president
Thursday 25 June 2026 18:37 , Rebecca WhittakerDeath toll from the Venezuela earthquake has risen to at least 188, with 1,5020 people injured and 200 trapped, the acting president Delcy Rodriguez has said.
It comes as more than 30,000 people have been reported missing, according to a website set up for Venezuelans to report missing loved ones following the earthquake.
Watch: Moment earthquake rocks Venezuelan airport
Thursday 25 June 2026 18:15 , Rebecca WhittakerMillions of people needed humanitarian assistance before the earthquake, Oxfam warns
Thursday 25 June 2026 18:00 , Rebecca WhittakerOxfam has stressed that millions of people in Venezuela already needed humanitarian assistance and this earthquake could further worsen living conditions.
Magnus Corfixen, Humanitarian Lead at Oxfam said: “This event compounds an already severe humanitarian crisis: as of early 2026, an estimated 7.9 million people in Venezuela were in need of humanitarian assistance. The current situation could further worsen the living conditions of thousands of people.
“Our partners - local organizations working directly on the ground - are conducting initial assessments to determine the extent of the damage and the most urgent needs of the affected communities.”
Trump offers to help ‘great friends’ in Venezuela after devastating earthquakes leave dozens dead
Thursday 25 June 2026 17:45 , Rebecca WhittakerPresident Trump has offered help to his “great friends” in Venezuela after back-to-back earthquakes left dozens of people dead.
Early estimates suggest thousands of people may have been killed after the two earthquakes hit an area west of Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help!
Trump offers to help ‘great friends’ in Venezuela after devastating earthquakes
Survivor describes being rescued from the rubble of his collapsed home
Thursday 25 June 2026 17:30 , Rebecca WhittakerA man who survived the Venezuela earthquakes was rescued after spending four hours in his collapsed home. But those who rescued him didn’t have many tools.
52-year-old Erick Paul Martínez Santos told Reuters news agency: "I was in my building for four hours until I was rescued by someone from civil defence or I'm not sure.
"They didn't have many tools. They couldn't find the chisel, the drill, the grinder, they went at it with their nails. I also helped because they passed me a tool.”
Watch: Venezuela earthquake: Rescue efforts underway as two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Caracas
Thursday 25 June 2026 17:15 , Rebecca WhittakerMore than 30,000 people reported missing in Venezuela
Thursday 25 June 2026 16:50 , Rebecca WhittakerThe number of people reported missing has soared to more than 30,000.
According to a website set up for Venezuelans to report missing loved ones following the earthquake, 30,314 people are currently missing. Just under an hour ago that figure was 26,781.
It also says more than 1,600 people have been located after being reported missing.
What is an earthquake ‘doublet’ and why is Venezuela prone to deadly tremors?
Thursday 25 June 2026 16:45 , Rebecca WhittakerOn Wednesday evening just after 6pm local time, two earthquakes violently shook northern Venezuela.
The first one struck near San Felipe, the capital of the state of Yaracuy. Just 39 seconds later, another quake struck near the town of Yumare, within 5 to 10km from the first one.
Powerful ground shaking was felt across the region, including in Venezuela’s capital Caracas about 150km east of the earthquake epicentres. Buildings collapsed, and authorities report the casualty toll may be in the thousands.
Read more here:
What is an earthquake ‘doublet’ and why is Venezuela prone to deadly tremors?
UN warns earthquake risks 'deepening existing vulnerabilities' in Venezuela
Thursday 25 June 2026 16:15 , Rebecca WhittakerThe UN has warned that even before the earthquake millions of people in Venezuela were in need of humanitarian support.
Tom Fletcher, under-secretary-general for UN Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, said: “Even before these earthquakes, nearly 8 million people in Venezuela were in need of humanitarian support. This disaster risks deepening existing vulnerabilities.
“Sustained international support for humanitarian organizations responding on the ground is essential and urgent.”
We are fully mobilised to support the people of Venezuela following the deadly and devastating earthquakes.
— Tom Fletcher (@UNReliefChief) June 25, 2026
My statement: https://t.co/EYGbAuTGre pic.twitter.com/E8dZnSalnI
More than 25,000 people reported missing
Thursday 25 June 2026 16:08 , Rebecca WhittakerMore than 25,000 people have been reported missing in Venezuela and 164 have been killed.
According to a website set up for Venezuelans to report missing loved ones following the earthquake, 26,781 people are currently missing.
It also says more than 1,300 people have been located after being reported missing.
World leaders react with offers and solidarity after powerful quakes hit Venezuela
Thursday 25 June 2026 16:01 , Maira ButtWorld leaders reacted Thursday with messages of solidarity and offers of assistance after two powerful earthquakes shook Venezuela, killing at least 164 people, injuring more than 1,000 and trapping many beneath collapsed buildings.
Wednesday evening’s 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes were among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century and could be felt throughout the region.
World leaders react with offers and solidarity after powerful quakes hit Venezuela
Watch: Venezuelan resident films terrifying high-rise escape as building crumbles during earthquake
Thursday 25 June 2026 15:26 , Maira ButtNetherlands sends rescue team to Venezuela after earthquake
Thursday 25 June 2026 14:50 , Maira ButtThe Netherlands on Thursday said it would send a rescue team to Venezuela after major earthquakes hit the country.
It said it would allocate around 2 million euros to deploy the team with rescue workers, dogs and equipment.
Foreign Office monitoring situation closely and stands ready to support British nationals
Thursday 25 June 2026 14:30 , Maira ButtThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
The Foreign Office is monitoring the situation in Venezuela closely, Downing Street has said, saying the government "stands ready to support any British nationals" affected by the earthquake.
It is understood the number of British nationals in Venezuela is in the low hundreds.
Asked whether the UK plans to send any support or aid to the country, the prime minister's official spokesperson said: “The Foreign Office is obviously monitoring the situation closely, and we stand ready to support any British nationals 24/7.
“We can confirm that all UK staff in Venezuela are safe and accounted for, and clearly our thoughts are with the people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes which have caused so much loss of life and destruction.”
Full story: Venezuela hit by powerful back-to-back earthquakes
Thursday 25 June 2026 14:05 , Maira ButtVenezuela was struck by back-to-back powerful earthquakes on Wednesday evening, which led to buildings collapsing in the capital, Caracas.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the first earthquake had a 7.1 magnitude, with its epicenter located west of Morón, a community along the country’s Caribbean coast, about 104 miles (168 kilometers) west of Caracas. Its depth was 8 miles (13 kilometers).
The USGS reported an even larger 7.5-magnitude earthquake striking just a minute later. This second quake had a depth of 10 kilometers, and its epicenter was 10 miles (16 kilometers) southwest of Morón.
These seismic events collectively represent some of the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century.
Venezuela hit by powerful back-to-back earthquakes
Watch: Moment earthquake rocks Venezuelan airport
Thursday 25 June 2026 13:40 , Maira ButtTrump says Venezuela earthquakes have left ‘devastating number of deaths’
Thursday 25 June 2026 13:10 , Maira ButtUS 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.”
More pictures from the scene of Venezuela's devastating earthquake
Thursday 25 June 2026 12:50 , Alex Croft
Spain and China to send aid to Venezuela
Thursday 25 June 2026 12:45 , Maira ButtSpain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez offered his support to Venezuela on Thursday with foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares adding that Spain was ready to supply any emergency aid required after two earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday.
“Spain and myself offer our full support to the Venezuelan people following tonight's devastating earthquakes,” Sanchez wrote on X. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families".
China will do what it can to assist Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the South American country, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday.
There have been no Chinese casualties or injuries reported so far, ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing in Beijing.
EU activates Copernicus satellite system
Thursday 25 June 2026 12:15 , Maira ButtOn Thursday the European Union activated its Copernicus satellite programme to help with recovery efforts by providing data that helps to identify risks and prevent loss of lives and damage.
“My condolences to the victims of the earthquake in Venezuela,” wrote Hadja Lahbib, European commissioner for equality, preparedness and crisis management, in a post on X on Thursday.
“We are following the situation with our field staff and partners there.
“EU-funded partners are already providing help on the ground, Copernicus is activated & we stand ready to step up assistance.”
Watch: Rescue operations begin as 7.5 magnitude earthquake hits Venezuela
Thursday 25 June 2026 11:50 , Maira ButtDeath toll rises to 164
Thursday 25 June 2026 11:42 , Maira ButtEarlier we reported that 32 people had been confirmed dead after a double earthquake hit Venezuela on Wednesday.
The death toll has now risen to 164. More than 900 people have been reported injured.
'Like a horror movie': Residents describe terrifying earthquake experience
Thursday 25 June 2026 11:25 , Maira ButtResidents in Caracas have described experiencing a powerful earthquake that has left hundreds of people injured.
“It started off gently and then gradually grew, and in the end, we all had to leave our houses, go outside and gather together,” Hector Ricci told Associated Press.
Maria Alejandra told Reuters that the incident was “like a horror movie”.
“We had to climb over the rubble and everything,” she explained.
Venezuela earthquake mapped: Death toll ‘could exceed 10,000’ after powerful twin tremors
Thursday 25 June 2026 10:35 , Maira ButtTwo powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday night, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 700.
Authorities warned the death toll was likely to run into the thousands as the back-to-back tremors collapsed buildings across the capital Caracas and surrounding areas.
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160km west of Caracas and it was followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, the US Geological Survey said, adding that the death toll would most likely exceed 10,000.
Interim president Delcy Rodriguez said the toll of 32 did not include casualties from La Guaira state, near Caracas and home to the capital's airport, which she described as the worst-affected area.
"Dozens of buildings have collapsed and we are currently carrying out very intense rescue efforts to save as many lives as God allows us to save," she told state television early on Thursday.
Stuti Mishra reports:
Venezuela earthquake mapped: Death toll ‘could exceed 10,000’ after twin tremors
In pictures: Thousands feared dead after powerful back-to-back shocks
Thursday 25 June 2026 10:10 , Maira Butt
Trump offers to help ‘great friends’ in Venezuela after devastating earthquakes leave dozens dead
Thursday 25 June 2026 09:45 , Maira ButtPresident Trump has offered help to his “great friends” in Venezuela after back-to-back earthquakes left dozens of people dead.
Early estimates suggest thousands of people may have been killed after the two earthquakes hit an area west of Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help!
“I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly.”
Owen Scott reports:
Trump offers to help ‘great friends’ in Venezuela after devastating earthquakes
What is an earthquake ‘doublet’ and why is Venezuela prone to deadly tremors?
Thursday 25 June 2026 09:20 , Maira ButtThe latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekdaySIGN UP
On Wednesday evening just after 6pm local time, two earthquakes violently shook northern Venezuela.
The first one struck near San Felipe, the capital of the state of Yaracuy. Just 39 seconds later, another quake struck near the town of Yumare, within 5 to 10km from the first one.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquakes were a “doublet”: a magnitude 7.2 foreshock followed 39 seconds later by a mainshock, this one with a magnitude of 7.5.
What is an earthquake ‘doublet’ and why is Venezuela prone to deadly tremors?
Spain and China to send aid to Venezuela
Thursday 25 June 2026 08:56 , Maira ButtSpain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez offered his support to Venezuela on Thursday with foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares adding that Spain was ready to supply any emergency aid required after two earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday.
“Spain and myself offer our full support to the Venezuelan people following tonight's devastating earthquakes,” Sanchez wrote on X. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families".
China will do what it can to assist Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the South American country, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday.
There have been no Chinese casualties or injuries reported so far, ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing in Beijing.
Video: Moment Earthquake Rocks Venezuelan Airport
Thursday 25 June 2026 08:35 , Maira ButtVenezuela earthquake mapped: 7.5 magnitude earthquake shocks country
Thursday 25 June 2026 08:14 , Maira Butt
Red Cross carrying out search and rescue mission as priority in Venezuela as HQ damaged
Thursday 25 June 2026 07:38 , Maira ButtThe International Federation of the Red Cross is carrying out a search and rescue mission amid the earthquake in Venezuela.
“Although it has reported critical damage to its own National Headquarters, the Venezuelan Red Cross is accounting for the safety of its staff and volunteers, activating security protocols and sharing earthquake safety guidance with communities — even as many of its volunteers respond while facing this emergency in their own neighbourhoods,” it wrote in a statement on Thursday.
“While assessments continue, the most urgent anticipated needs are search and rescue, emergency shelter for families whose homes have been damaged or destroyed, and emergency health care, including trauma care and psychosocial support. Safe water and sanitation and essential household items are also expected to be priorities in the hours and days ahead.”
Nuestros socorristas están desplegados en las zonas afectadas para apoyar las labores de respuesta tras los eventos sísmicos registrados en #Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/bMryuxKFe3
— Cruz Roja Venezolana (@CruzRojaVe) June 25, 2026
Older buildings more vulnerable to collapse in Venezuela quakes, expert says
Thursday 25 June 2026 07:16 , Maroosha MuzaffarAn earthquake engineering expert says the severe damage seen in parts of Venezuela may be linked to the age of many affected buildings.
Kenneth O’Dell, Principal of MHP Structural Engineers, told CNN that those buildings were likely built before the early 70s.
“The types of buildings that will exhibit the damage are the concrete structures of vulnerable buildings that were likely built to older versions of the building code that they used there in Venezuela,” he said.
In Pictures: Two powerful earthquakes rock Venezuela
Thursday 25 June 2026 07:05 , Maroosha Muzaffar
Venezuela suspends metro, trains and classes nationwide
Thursday 25 June 2026 06:40 , Maroosha MuzaffarVenezuela has suspended metro and train services and cancelled classes nationwide as authorities respond to the aftermath of the two powerful back-to-back earthquakes.
Acting president Delcy Rodriguez announced that public transport systems would remain out of operation until further notice, while schools will stay closed for the rest of the week.
The measures come as emergency teams assess structural damage across affected areas and rescue operations continue in neighbourhoods hit by building collapses. Venezuela's main international airport has also been closed after suffering damage.
