VENEZUELA ROCKED BY HISTORIC EARTHQUAKES: USGS Reportedly Fears Massive Casualties As Trump Vows U.S. Support…
The strongest earthquakes in over a century rocked Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon — causing widespread destruction in the capital of Caracas and leading to fears of high casualties.
A magnitude 7.2 quake struck roughly 100 miles west of Caracas, followed by a 7.5 magnitude tremor just a minute later, according to the US Geological Survey.
“High casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread,” the USGS warned.
Police officers evacuate an injured victim from a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026.
Police officers evacuate an injured victim from a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026.
AFP via Getty Images
The collapsed Bancaribe building in Caracas following an earthquake.
The USGS initially estimated the death toll could range from a whopping 10,000 to 100,000 casualties.
Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez said that 32 people were killed and 700 were injured as of early Thursday.
Chaotic footage posted to social media captured terrified people scrambling to safety and shielding their families as ceiling panels collapsed and sparks flew at Maiquetia International Airport.
Explore More
Historic Venezuela earthquake has frightened travelers fleeing as airport ceiling partially collapses, harrowing video shows
Dramatic moment Northern California earthquake destroys thousands of dollars in merchandise
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Aerial shot of commercial office parks and suburban housing in Redwood Shores, California at sunrise, Image 2 shows Map of Northern California showing the epicenter of an earthquake near Ukiah
Major earthquake strikes Northern California Wednesday morning
Videos also showed baseball players and onlookers running into the field of a game in Caracas as the quake hit, shaking power lines and stadium seats.
Emergency responders were forced to climb through the ruins of collapsed buildings as distraught residents searched for their loved ones into Wednesday evening.
Many buildings, including those in Caracas, appeared to be decimated or significantly damaged.
People ride past a collapsed building after an earthquake, in La Guaira, Venezuela, on June 24, 2026.
People ride past a collapsed building after an earthquake in La Guaira, Venezuela, on June 24, 2026.
REUTERS
Emergency workers search for survivors on the rubble of a collapsed building after an earthquake in Caracas, Venezuela.
Furniture and rubble were piled on the streets as homeowners stood outside in shock.
The massive geological event occurred as many Venezuelans were at home celebrating Battle of Carabobo Day, a public holiday marking the 1821 victory that helped secure the country’s independence from Spain.
“As soon as it started, we began hearing people screaming,” Astrid Ramirez, a 41-year-old publicist in western Caracas, told Reuters. “Everyone was running down the stairs.”
A firefighter carries out a dog rescued from a collapsed building in Caracas, Venezuela, on June 24, 2026.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the earthquake shook several states.
“We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most,” Cabello said on state television. “Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed.”
President Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday night to say the US is willing to help the South American country with recovery efforts.
“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!!! President DJT.”
Start your day with all you need to know
Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.
Enter your email address
By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Rodriguez thanked Trump and the US, “who have been in constant contact with the Venezuelan authorities, providing support and solidarity to the people of Venezuela in the face of the tragedy that grips us.”
“Venezuela will never forget the hand extended to our people in these hard hours,” Rodriguez said.
In January, the US launched a barrage of strikes in Venezuela, culminating in the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores de Maduro.
The pair was then brought to the US and jailed.
The Maduros sent a message of solidarity while locked up in federal custody in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, CNN reported.
“Today, there is only one message: maximum unity, maximum solidarity, and maximum action,” the message posted on Maduro’s official Telegram channel read.
Debris of a collapsed building lies after an earthquake, in La Guaira, Venezuela, on June 24, 2026.
Debris of a collapsed building lies after an earthquake, in La Guaira, Venezuela, on June 24, 2026.
REUTERS
Rescue workers search through the rubble of a collapsed building after an earthquake.
Rescue workers search through the rubble of a collapsed building after an earthquake.
AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos
A worker looks at the pile of rubble from a collapsed building while searching for victims.
A worker looks at the pile of rubble from a collapsed building while searching for victims.
AFP via Getty Images
Dozens of people respond to demolished buildings to search for victims after an earthquake.
Dozens of people respond to demolished buildings to search for victims after an earthquake.
“Let no one be left alone, let each community take care of their children, their grandparents, their sick,” said the statement on behalf of the couple, who face drug trafficking and weapons charges.
“Venezuela has faced great trials, and we will come out of this one strong too, with faith, discipline, and solidarity.”
The US Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami threat for Puerto Rico and the US and British Virgin Islands after the quakes.
People assisting a woman lying on the ground after an earthquake in Caracas.
People assist a woman after an earthquake, in Caracas, Venezuela, June 24, 2026.
REUTERS
Rescue workers carry a person on a stretcher out of a collapsed building.
Rescue workers carry a person on a stretcher out of a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026.
But the warning was withdrawn about an hour later.
The quakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century.
