Earthquakes Kill Around 235 in Venezuela, Injure 4,300; U.S. and Others Send Aid

Two earthquakes struck Venezuela on the evening of June 24, killing around 235 people and injuring at least 4,300, with thousands reported missing. The first measured 7.2 in magnitude and struck west of Moron on the Caribbean coast at a depth of 22 kilometers, with its epicenter about 170 kilometers west of Caracas. One minute later a 7.

The quakes rank among the strongest in Venezuela in more than a century and were felt as far as Brazil’s Amazon region. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency the same evening and announced a $200 million reconstruction fund for damaged hospitals and homes. She appealed to businesses to provide heavy construction equipment for rescue operations.

Venezuela’s main airport in La Guaira closed due to damage, and parts of Caracas lost power, cellphone service, subway operations and natural gas supply. Classes were canceled for several days, with some school buildings converted into shelters and donation centers. Access to the social media platform X was restored on June 25 after being blocked since August 2024.

The U.S. Treasury waived some sanctions until October 23 to allow transactions tied to earthquake relief. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said search-and-rescue teams, medical resources and other assistance were deploying immediately.

Mexico, Qatar, Brazil, Spain, Portugal and Canada also pledged aid, with shipments of personnel, canine teams, medical supplies, water purifiers, airplanes and drones already en route. The first rescuers from the Dominican Republic were expected to land on June 25. Rodríguez took office in January after the U.S.

Seized then-President Nicolas Maduro in a surprise operation at the start of 2026. Venezuela has faced economic disarray for more than a decade and sits near multiple fault lines straddling the South American and Caribbean plates.