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10,000 people feared dead after catastrophic earthquakes devastate Venezuela

Published 08:40 25 Jun 2026 BST

Updated 09:27 25 Jun 2026 BST

Harry Warner
10,000 people feared dead after catastrophic earthquakes devastate Venezuela

Homenews

Two earthquakes hit in succession

There are fears that as many as 10,000 people could have been killed in a catastrophic earthquake which devastated Venezuela yesterday evening.

Back to back earthquakes hit the South American nation on Wednesday evening (24 June) at 18:04 local time (23:04 BST) with almost apocalyptic footage from the country being shared online.

So far, 32 people have been confirmed dead with at least another 700 injured, as per acting President Delcy Rodríguez says

However, as per the BBC, the US Geological Survey has calculated that there is a 44% chance of more than 10,000 fatalities, and a 30% chance of more than 100,000.

The most densely build up and populated city in Venezuela, the capital Caracas, appears to be worst affected.

The quakes had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 and hit west of the capital, being felt as far away as Bogota, Colombia.

Rescue teams are currently searching the rubble to find survivors.

Donald Trump, who recently oversaw the capture of Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro, released a statement on Truth Social.

He wrote: "The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths. 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!!! President DJT."

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10,000 people feared dead after earthquakes devastate Venezuela