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Venezuela earthquakes live updates: US sending search and rescue teams, Rubio says

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening.

ByKevin Shalvey
Last Updated: June 25, 2026, 2:17 PM EDT

Dozens of people were killed and hundreds of others were injured as a pair of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, acting President Delcy Rodriguez said in a televised address.

The two quakes -- a 7.2 magnitude one followed just seconds later by a 7.5 -- struck the coast of Venezuela, knocking down buildings in Caracas, the capital, and sending residents racing into the street.

Emergency responders were undertaking "intensive rescue operations" early on Thursday, searching for people thought to be under the rubble, Rodriguez said.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
1 hour and 35 minutes ago

Quakes may become most devastating in Venezuela's modern history

The two powerful earthquakes may become the most devastating in Venezuela's modern history.

A man inspects a collapsed apartment building following an earthquake in Catia La Mar, La Guaira state, 30km north-west of Caracas, June 25, 2026.
Federico Parra/AFP via Getty Images

Venezuela sits along the Caribbean plate. It is not part of the infamous Ring of Fire that snakes around the Pacific Ocean, where earthquakes -- especially of higher magnitude -- are relatively common.

An earthquake of this high a magnitude causes so much damage in a place like Venezuela because Venezuela’s infrastructure is not as prepared as countries along the Ring of Fire, like Japan.

Residents walk through the rubble of damaged apartment buildings following the twin 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that struck the country, in Catia la Mar, Venezuela, June 25, 2026.
Ronald Pena/EPA/Shutterstock


The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the death toll will likely go over 1,000 and potentially could exceed 10,000.

-ABC News’ Kenton Gewecke

1 hour and 54 minutes ago

US Southern Command to support government relief operation

The U.S. Southern Command said it is working with the State Department to support a U.S. government relief operation in Venezuela.

“Our joint forces are moving quickly to bring the unmatched airlift, logistics, and lifesaving capabilities of the U.S. military to help save lives and support the Government of Venezuela during this crisis,” a SOUTHCOM statement said.

Rescue workers search through the rubble after an earthquake in La Guaira, Venezuela, June 25, 2026.
Pedro Mattey/AP Photo

People stand before damaged homes following an earthquake in Catia La Mar, La Guaira state, 30km north-west of Caracas, June 25, 2026.
Federico Parra/AFP via Getty Images

-ABC News’ Luis Martinez

2 hours and 35 minutes ago

Main airport closed until at least Friday

Simón Bolívar International Airport, Venezuela’s main airport in Caracas, will be closed until at least Friday, according to the Interior Ministry.

A man walks among the rubble of a building that collapsed in an earthquake in La Guaira, Venezuela, June 25, 2026.
Pedro Mattey/AP Photo

-ABC News’ Aicha El Hammar

2 hours and 38 minutes ago

More than 25,000 people reported missing

A website set up for Venezuelans to report missing loved ones has more than 25,000 people reported missing.

Patients lie outside a hospital evacuated after it was damaged in an earthquake in Catia La Mar, Venezuela, June 25, 2026.
Pedro Mattey/AP Photo

People walk past a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas, June 25, 2026.
Manaure Quintero/AFP via Getty Images

While not an official count of those confirmed missing, the website reflects the chaos on the ground as people try to reach family and friends.

The website says more than 1,200 people have been found after previously being reported missing.

-ABC News’ Aicha El Hammar

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