Officials say at least 188 people were killed.
By Catholics for Catholics
Underneath caved in buildings, Venezuelans searched for survivors Thursday as rescue teams sped to northern areas shaken by a pair of formidable earthquakes that officials say killed at least 188 people and left more than 200 trapped, according to a story by The Epoch Times.
Authorities feared more were dead from the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that hit Wednesday evening — among the strongest in Venezuela in more than a century. Reports indicate that some 1,500 people were injured, thousands were missing and buildings were evacuated as far away as Brazil’s Amazon.
La Guaira, the area hardest hit, has been described as a disaster zone.
“Dozens of buildings have collapsed there, about 30 kilometers [19 miles] north of Caracas, and we are currently carrying out intensive rescue operations to save lives,” acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez said.
Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela’s Interior Minister, said on state television that the quake could be felt in several states. Several people were injured in the earthquakes, he said.
Pray for Venezuela after the country was hit yesterday with devastating 7.1 and 7.5 earthquakes.
— Catholics for Catholics 🇺🇲 (@CforCatholics) June 25, 2026
Hundreds of buildings collapsed, at least 164 people reported dead, nearly 1,000 injured, and over 11,000 missing. pic.twitter.com/qBNUFhB0zy
“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.
Cabello also urged people to stay outside, as aftershocks could further damage some structures.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) issued a red alert for the events. The agency calculates that 10,000 to 100,000 deaths could result from the disaster, which is expected to leave massive damage in the region.
“Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist,” the agency reported.
Most of the buildings are unreinforced brick masonry and adobe block construction, according to the USGS.
Nations like Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, and Uruguay offered to help.
“Our hearts are with the people of Venezuela during these difficult times,” Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele said on X. “We send you all our solidarity and our prayers. Strength Venezuela.”
Save and Share This Catholic Patriotic Minute!
