{"id":68474,"date":"2026-06-25T03:41:44","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T07:41:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bnonews.com\/?p=68474"},"modified":"2026-06-25T07:16:24","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T11:16:24","slug":"35-killed-after-powerful-earthquakes-strike-venezuela-toll-expected-to-rise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bnonews.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/35-killed-after-powerful-earthquakes-strike-venezuela-toll-expected-to-rise\/","title":{"rendered":"At least 164 people killed in Venezuela earthquake, more than 12,000 missing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

At least 164 people were killed and nearly 1,000 others were injured when two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela, causing buildings to collapse and forcing the country to declare a state of emergency, officials said. The figures are expected to rise as thousands of people are still missing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acting President Delcy Rodr\u00edguez, in an address to the nation<\/a> on Wednesday night, said La Guaira state, north of Caracas, appeared to be the hardest-hit area. She said dozens of buildings had collapsed there and described the state as a disaster zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rodr\u00edguez said 164 people were confirmed dead by early Thursday morning and at least 971 others had been treated for injuries in connection with the earthquake, though the real numbers are expected to be much higher, with more than 12,000 people reported missing in an early count.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a real tragedy,\u201d Rodr\u00edguez said. \u201cFrom here, our message of solidarity to those families who have lost loved ones, and we reaffirm our condolences and support in these difficult hours.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the event was a doublet, with a magnitude 7.2 earthquake followed 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The earthquakes struck west of Caracas, near Montalb\u00e1n, and were felt strongly in the capital. The USGS placed the epicenter of the strongest earthquake 28 kilometers (17 miles) northwest of Yumare and at a shallow depth of 10 km (7 miles).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Footage shared on social media showed rescue efforts at several collapsed multi-story buildings, as well as blocks where destruction appeared widespread and few structures were left standing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The USGS estimated a high likelihood of 10,000 to 100,000 deaths and economic losses between $10 billion and $100 billion for each earthquake, placing both events in its highest alert category for expected human and economic impact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The agency estimated that nearly 40,000 people may have experienced violent shaking, while more than 10 million may have experienced strong to severe shaking, including in Caracas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rodr\u00edguez said the international airport in Maiquet\u00eda, the main airport serving Caracas, was closed because of serious damage to its infrastructure. She also called on doctors, nurses and other health workers to report to hospitals and private health centers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several countries and international organizations have offered support, including the United States, Panama, Qatar, Cuba, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico and the United Nations. She said Venezuela expected to receive rescuers from the United States, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico and Qatar in the coming hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI want to thank President Donald Trump and his government, which has been in permanent contact with the Venezuelan government and all our authorities, offering support and solidarity,\u201d Rodr\u00edguez said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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UPDATE: Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodr\u00edguez declares state of emergency after devastating earthquake pic.twitter.com\/o3pnSe3wQ5<\/a><\/p>— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) June 25, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>