Venezuela earthquakes live updates: Death toll rises to at least 589, president says

Fri, June 26, 2026 at 1:02 PM UTC

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Frederico ParraAFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: People search for survivors while others try to salvage belongings in a collapsed building following an earthquake in Catia La Mar, La Guaira state, some 30km north-west of Caracas, June 25, 2026.

At least 589 people were killed and more than 2,900 were injured as a pair of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, officials said on Friday.

The two quakes -- a 7.2 magnitude one followed just seconds later by a 7.5 -- struck the coast of Venezuela, knocking down buildings in Caracas, the capital, and sending residents racing into the street.

Responders are undertaking "intensive rescue operations" on Thursday, searching for people thought to be under the rubble, acting President Delcy Rodriguez said.

Latest Developments

Jun 26, 9:22 AMAt least 589 dead, 2,980 injured in dual quakes, acting president says

At least 589 people were killed and another 2,980 were injured in the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela late on Wednesday, acting President Delcy Rodriguez said in an update on Friday, according to state media.

According to the EFE news agency, at least 18 foreign nationals were among those who were killed in the quakes. The victims reportedly included nine people from Portugal, three from Spain, two from Brazil, two from China and two from Chile.

The country's health minister told state media late on Thursday that at least 4,300 people were injured. It was not immediately clear why the figure Rodriguez gave on Friday was lower.

-ABC News' Jamie Dorrington, HerminiaFernandez and Kevin Shalvey

Jun 25, 10:55 PMDeath toll rises to at least 235 with at least 4,300 injured: Health minister

The death toll from the pair of powerful earthquakes that rocked Venezuela on Wednesday has risen to at least 235, according to the country's health minister, who spoke on state media.At least 4,300 people were injured, according to the latest figures provided by the official.

Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters - PHOTO: People search for casualties amid the rubble of a collapsed building, in the aftermath of earthquakes in Caracas, Venezuela, June 25, 2026.

Jun 25, 9:09 PMUS 'surging' military assets to assist in Venezuela

U.S. Southern Command said it is "surging" military forces in the region to assist in earthquake relief efforts.Two U.S. Navy ships and aircraft in the Caribbean have been assigned to support the U.S. quake relief operations in Venezuela that are being led by the State Department, the command said.The amphibious ships USS Fort Lauderdale and the littoral combat ships USS Billings are being moved closer to Venezuela to provide assistance.

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Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Residents search for victims through the rubble of a collapsed building in Catia La Mar, La Guaira state, about 30 km northwest of Caracas, June 25, 2026, following an earthquake.

In addition, transport aircraft and helicopters are being sent."These forces will provide specialized mobility services and support to U.S. government personnel, search and rescue teams, and U.S. interagency partners as they assess damage, locate the injured, and deliver critical, life-saving assistance," SOUTHCOM said in a statement.-ABC News' Luis Martinez

Jun 25, 9:09 PMMarine general heads to Venezuela to oversee Pentagon support for earthquake relief

U.S. Southern Command is sending U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard to Venezuela to oversee the Pentagon's earthquake relief efforts.

U.s. Southern Command - PHOTO: U.S. Southern Command released this photo of U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard is en route to Caracas, Venezuela.

The Pentagon is supporting efforts by the State Department, which is responsible for U.S. government relief efforts.-ABC News' Luis Martinez

Jun 25, 6:30 PMSearch and rescue teams from Virginia, California to join effort

The Urban Search and Rescue teams based out of Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles County, California, have both confirmed they are mobilizing units as part of the State Department's response to the earthquakes.

Jun 25, 4:16 PMState Department mobilizes $150M for Venezuela

Jun 25, 2:16 PMDeath toll climbs to 188At least 188 people are dead and another 1,520 are injured following the two devastating earthquakes, according to Jorge Rodríguez, President of the National Assembly of Venezuela.

Jun 25, 1:32 PMHow to help the victims

Click here to learn about some of the organizations helping those affected by the earthquakes.

Jun 25, 1:05 PMQuakes may become most devastating in Venezuela's modern historyThe two powerful earthquakes may become the most devastating in Venezuela's modern history.

Jun 25, 12:46 PMUS Southern Command to support government relief operationThe U.S. Southern Command said it is working with the State Department to support a U.S. government relief operation in Venezuela.

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Source: “AOL Breaking”