Two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 25, 2026, killing at least 164 people and injuring hundreds more, according to the latest reports from the country's disaster management agency. The first quake, with a magnitude of 6.8, hit near the coastal city of Cumaná, followed by a second tremor of magnitude 6.5 hours later. Rescue teams are searching through rubble for survivors in affected areas.
The earthquakes caused widespread damage in the states of Sucre and Anzoátegui, collapsing buildings and triggering landslides. Local hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, and emergency services are working to provide aid. President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency in the affected regions and deployed military units to assist in rescue operations.
International aid offers have come from neighboring countries, including Colombia and Brazil, as well as from the United Nations. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the seismic events, noting that the region is prone to earthquakes due to tectonic activity along the Caribbean plate boundary. Aftershocks continue to be felt, complicating rescue efforts.
As of June 26, 2026, the death toll is expected to rise as search teams reach more remote areas. Survivors are being housed in temporary shelters, and efforts are underway to restore power and water supplies. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
