Deadly twin earthquakes strike Venezuela, killing at least 188

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coast on the evening of June 24, causing the collapse of buildings in Caracas and other areas and killing at least 188 people, with hundreds more injured, authorities said June 25. The disaster prompted offers of aid from the Vatican, the U.S., and several other countries. 

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the first quake registered as a magnitude 7.2 near San Felipe and the second, which occurred about 39 seconds later, was a magnitude 7.5 quake near Yumare. The USGS said “[h]igh casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread.”

National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez confirmed that at least 188 people had died and at least 1,520 were injured, according to NBC News. He added that many people are still trapped in collapsed infrastructure. 

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez warned earlier in the day that the death toll could rise as operations in hard-hit regions continue. She said authorities were “currently carrying out intensive rescue operations to save lives,” according to AP News.

Footage from Venezuela shared online showed panicked residents fleeing into the streets as buildings crumbled. Authorities also closed the country’s main airport after it sustained damage. 

President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post after reports of the disaster surfaced that the U.S. was ready to help.

“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. “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. We will be there for our new and great friends. Early reports are not good!!!” 

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also told reporters the U.S. had deployed search-and-rescue teams to Venezuela. 

“We've already stood up our disaster response teams at the Department of State and our humanitarian efforts,” he said. “It's something we did very well in Jamaica, after that storm, and it's something we're really prepared to do now.”

Rodríguez thanked Trump and the U.S. government for their offer of support, saying the two governments remained in contact. 

The U.S. government has provided “support and solidarity to the people in the face of the tragedy that grieves us,” Rodríguez said in a statement on X, according to an unofficial translation. “Venezuela will never forget the helping hand extended to our people in such difficult hours.”

According to NBC News, several other countries, including China, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, have also pledged assistance.

Pope Leo XIV also sent an initial emergency donation of 100,000 euros, or about $116,600, to Venezuela, according to Vatican News. The outlet reported that the Holy See described the aid as a first step, with further assistance expected as the local Church identifies additional needs.