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 164 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.”
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez reported June 25 that at least 164 people had died and 971 had been injured, warning that the toll could rise as operations continue in hard-hit regions. 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.
A pair of powerful earthquakes rocked Venezuela, tearing down buildings, closing the country’s main airport and sending panicked residents of the capital pouring into the streets. At least 146 have died, the acting president said Thursday, warning that the toll was expected to… pic.twitter.com/byaOua2DuE
— The Associated Press (@AP) June 25, 2026
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!!!”
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 25, 2026
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.”
BREAKING: Secretary of State Marco Rubio gives an update on America’s recovery efforts to help the Venezuelan people after the country was hit by a pair of historic and deadly earthquakes.
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 25, 2026
“We're already deploying search and rescue teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los… pic.twitter.com/h8SLnQea7F
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.”
Agradecemos al Pdte. Donald Trump, y a su Gobierno, que han estado en contacto permanente con las autoridades venezolanas, brindando apoyo y solidaridad al pueblo ante la tragedia que nos enluta. Venezuela nunca olvidará la mano tendida a nuestro pueblo en estas horas tan duras. https://t.co/nw2bupuN7C
— Delcy Rodríguez (@delcyrodriguezv) June 25, 2026
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.