The death toll from powerful back-to-back earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday has risen to 164, president Delcy Rodriguez has said.
More than 30,000 people have also been reported missing, with rescuers searching among huge mounds of rubble after the quakes west of Caracas on Wednesday afternoon.
At least 900 people have also been reported injured after two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck within 39 seconds of each other.
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?
Key Points
- More than 30,000 people reported missing in Venezuela
- Fear grips Venezuela after two massive tremors
- Venezuela declares a state of emergency
- US says it is mobilising assistance for Venezuela after earthquakes
- Interior minister urges public to exercise ‘utmost caution’
- Trump says Venezuela earthquakes have left ‘devastating number of deaths’
Trump offers to help ‘great friends’ in Venezuela after devastating earthquakes leave dozens dead
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
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
17:15 , Rebecca WhittakerMore than 30,000 people reported missing in Venezuela
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?
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
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
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
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
15:26 , Maira ButtNetherlands sends rescue team to Venezuela after earthquake
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
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
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
13:40 , Maira ButtTrump says Venezuela earthquakes have left ‘devastating number of deaths’
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
12:50 , Alex Croft
Spain and China to send aid to Venezuela
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
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
11:50 , Maira ButtDeath toll rises to 164
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
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
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
10:10 , Maira Butt
Trump offers to help ‘great friends’ in Venezuela after devastating earthquakes leave dozens dead
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?
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
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
08:35 , Maira ButtVenezuela earthquake mapped: 7.5 magnitude earthquake shocks country
08:14 , Maira Butt
Red Cross carrying out search and rescue mission as priority in Venezuela as HQ damaged
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
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
07:05 , Maroosha Muzaffar
Venezuela suspends metro, trains and classes nationwide
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.
Venezuela rocked by more than 20 aftershocks
06:28 , Maroosha MuzaffarVenezuela has been rocked by more than 20 aftershocks since two powerful earthquakes struck the country less than a minute apart.
The aftershocks have added to fears among residents already shaken by the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes, with many choosing to remain outdoors rather than return to damaged buildings.
Authorities said the hardest-hit areas include the northern coastal states of La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo and Falcon, where emergency crews continue assessing damage and searching for survivors.
At least 32 have been confirmed dead and 700 injured in the massive earthquakes on Wednesday evening.
Calls grow for authorities to restore access to X, VPN services and blocked news outlets
06:28 , Maroosha MuzaffarActivists and opposition figures are urging Venezuelan authorities to restore access to X, VPN services and blocked news outlets following the devastating earthquakes.
Exiled opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez said the restrictions are preventing Venezuelans abroad from checking on their families while those inside “don’t grasp the magnitude of what happened”.
Venezuelan activist Jorge Jraissati wrote that CONATEL, the telecoms regulator, “must lift the block on X”.
“Our people need to be informed.”
Another activist, Isabella Picon, called on officials to “unblock X, media outlets and VPNs in Venezuela immediately”.
At least 32 dead and 700 injured, acting president says
06:04 , Maroosha MuzaffarAt least 32 people have been killed and 700 injured, Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez said, revealing the first nationwide casualty figures from the twin earthquakes.
Rodriguez said international rescue teams were expected to arrive in Venezuela in the coming hours to support ongoing emergency operations.
She also thanked Donald Trump for offering assistance following the disaster.
The announcement came after Rodriguez declared a state of emergency in response to the powerful back-to-back earthquakes, which caused building collapses in Caracas and forced the closure of the country’s main international airport.
First confirmed casualties from Venezuela’s twin earthquakes begin to emerge
05:32 , Maroosha MuzaffarAt least four deaths have been reported following the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela, marking the first confirmed casualties from the disaster.
According to Reuters, three people were killed in Caracas’ Baruta district after two buildings collapsed, while another person died in the neighbouring Chacao district, where four buildings were completely destroyed and 22 people were taken to hospital.
In the coastal state of Falcon, officials reported 22 injuries and said 15 adults remain missing.
Authorities have not yet released a nationwide death or injury toll as rescue teams continue searching affected areas and assessing the full extent of the damage.
Maduro’s son says rescue efforts underway
05:27 , Maroosha MuzaffarNicolas Maduro Guerra, the son of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, has spoken from the site of a collapsed building in Caracas as emergency teams continue responding to the aftermath of the powerful earthquakes.
Standing in the San Bernardino district, Maduro Guerra said authorities had launched an extensive response operation following the disaster.
“We saw the interim president declare exceptional measures today due to this tragedy that we are witnessing in our country,” Nicolas Maduro Guerra was quoted as saying by CNN.
The National Assembly member said officials had received reports of four building collapses in the capital, two in San Bernardino and one each in Pinto Salinas and El Paraiso, as rescue crews work to locate and extract survivors.
“This area has very old buildings from the 50s and 60s. We have also seen collapse buildings in eastern Caracas, in the municipalities of Chacao and Baruta. We don’t have an exact number at this time, but we are out in the streets and helping people,” he said.
Maduro Guerra added that the earthquake had also caused significant damage beyond the capital, describing the states of La Guaira and Falcon as having been “very affected” by the disaster.
Trump says Venezuela earthquakes have left ‘devastating number of deaths’
05:14 , Maroosha MuzaffarUS 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.
Resident says ‘all I can see are shattered objects and glass’
05:07 , Maroosha MuzaffarResidents 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.
Caracas resident recalls horrifying moment struck: ‘Roar coming from the ground’
05:01 , Maroosha MuzaffarA 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.”
Emergency crews continue searching collapsed buildings in several Caracas districts
04:53 , Maroosha MuzaffarEmergency 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.
Interior minister urges public to exercise ‘utmost caution’
04:48 , Maroosha MuzaffarVenezuela’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.
US Geological Survey says 44 per cent probability Venezuela toll could exceed 10,000
04:33 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe 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.
Venezuela declares a state of emergency
04:30 , Maroosha MuzaffarVenezuela 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.
Where did two major earthquakes strike
04:26 , Maroosha MuzaffarTwo 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.
Fear grips Venezuela after two massive tremors
04:19 , Maroosha MuzaffarFear 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.
US says it is mobilising assistance for Venezuela after earthquakes
04:15 , Maroosha MuzaffarThe 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.
