Headline Roundup • June 25th, 2026
Powerful Earthquakes Hit Venezuela, USGS Estimates Up to 100,000 Dead
Summary from the AllSides News Team
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within 40 seconds of each other late on Wednesday, killing at least 164 and injuring at least 971.
The Details: A 7.5 magnitude quake struck immediately after a 7.2, with the epicenter about 120 miles west of the capital Caracas. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said the earthquake was the strongest to hit the country in over a century.
Death Toll: Many outlets have published live coverage on the earthquake, as it is still a developing story. Around 6 a.m. ET, the official confirmed death toll was 32, though about an hour later it was raised to 164. The New York Post (Right) highlighted that the US Geological Survey (USGS) said it estimates the death toll could realistically be between 10,000 and 100,000.
US Response: President Trump quickly pledged that the US would assist Venezuela in rescue and recovery efforts. Trump wrote on Truth Social at 11:45 p.m. ET on Wednesday, "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!!!" Rodriguez said Trump's administration has been "in constant contact" with them.
Foreign Assistance: In addition to the US, other American countries such as Brazil, El Salvador, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic have already reportedly mobilized teams to assist on the ground. France has also mobilized rescue personnel. Germany and Italy said they are ready to mobilize assistance. Other countries, including China, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Bolivia, Panama, and Mexico, have reportedly offered to help as well.
Context: The earthquake comes after the United States apprehended and arrested Venezuelan head of state President Nicolás Maduro in a January military raid. The country's acting leader, Delcy Rodriguez, who at first took a hostile stance towards the US, has since cooperated with the Trump administration in its efforts to influence the country. CNN (Lean Left) prominently framed the earthquakes as coming "at a dire time for Venezuela, which is deep in political and financial crisis."
Other Quake: A 7.2 magnitude earthquake also struck off the coast of northern Japan late on Wednesday (early Thursday local time), reportedly injuring 10.
This is a developing story and will be updated. Written by the AllSides staff (of humans). Learn more. Support our mission. Suggest an improvement to this summary.
Featured Coverage of this Story
Deadly quakes: At least 164 people have been killed and 971 injured after Venezuela's most powerful earthquake in more than a century, according to the country's acting President Delcy Rodriguez. The 7.5 magnitude quake struck just 40 seconds after a 7.2 magnitude foreshock.
Capital in crisis: A resident who survived a quake that hit Caracas in 1967 said the disaster was unlike anything he had experienced. Another resident who escaped a damaged building said "the scene was like a horror movie."
Back-to-back earthquakes have killed at least 164 people in Venezuela, acting President Delcy Rodríguez says
In the capital Caracas, rescuers are searching through the rubble and people have been heard calling for help
Earlier, Rodríguez said the most affected state is La Guaira, north of Caracas, where "dozens" of buildings have collapsed
AFP via Getty Images
Venezuela was rocked Wednesday afternoon by its strongest earthquakes in over a century — causing widespread destruction with fears of as many as 100,000 casualties.
A magnitude-7.2 quake struck roughly 100 miles west of Caracas, followed just 39 seconds later by an even bigger 7.5-magnitude temblor, according to the US Geological Survey.
"High casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread," the USGS warned — estimating that the death toll could climb to at least 10,000, and potentially 100,000.
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