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Venezuela earthquakes live updates: Death toll rises

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening.

ByKevin Shalvey and Ivan Pereira
Last Updated: June 29, 2026, 6:37 PM GMT

At least 1,719 people have died and another 5,034 people were injured from a pair of powerful earthquakes that devastated Venezuela, officials said.

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

Responders are still undertaking rescue operations, searching for people thought to be under the rubble.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Jun 25, 2026, 5:32 PM GMT

How to help the victims

Click here to learn about some of the organizations helping those affected by the earthquakes.

Residents walk among the rubble of building damaged in earthquakes the previous day in Catia La Mar, Venezuela, June 25, 2026.
Pedro Mattey/AP Photo
Jun 25, 2026, 5:05 PM GMT

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

Jun 25, 2026, 4:46 PM GMT

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

Jun 25, 2026, 4:06 PM GMT

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

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