Series of quakes in northwestern Venezuela death toll rises to 164

2026-06-25

A series of M7-class earthquakes struck northwestern Venezuela on the 24th, spreading damage. So far, 164 deaths have been confirmed, and the number of fatalities could eventually reach between 10,000 and 100,000. Some observers say economic collapse and aging infrastructure are making the damage worse.

Extent of the damage

Local media and social media have been filled with footage of residents evacuating buildings and people being rescued from the rubble of collapsed structures. In the capital, Caracas, about 150 kilometers east of the epicenter, collapses have also been reported repeatedly, and rescue teams are racing to search for survivors. Simon Bolivar International Airport was damaged by the quake and has been closed.

In areas outside Caracas, many residents have also been forced to take shelter outdoors, and communication disruptions are believed to be making it difficult to contact family members and acquaintances.

Support from other countries and damage outlook

US Secretary of State Rubio said on the 25th that he had met with Venezuela's interim President Rodriguez. He said US assistance would be 'large-scale, rapid and effective', adding that search and rescue teams had been dispatched from Los Angeles and from Virginia on the US East Coast.

Rescue teams from Mexico and El Salvador have already arrived, while Germany is preparing to deploy military aircraft. Switzerland plans to send rescue teams, rescue dogs and equipment, and Spain and France have also offered to send personnel. Brazil, China and India have also indicated their willingness to provide support.

The quake struck around 6 p.m. on the 24th in Yaracuy state in the northwest. Mr Rodriguez said on state television that 164 people had died so far and more than 900 had been injured. The US Geological Survey, or USGS, estimated that the death toll could reach 10,000 to 100,000, putting the probability at about 40% for more than 10,000 deaths and about 30% for more than 100,000.

Venezuela has one of the world's largest crude oil reserves and once developed as an oil-producing nation. However, since the Chavez administration that began in 1999, state-led economic policies have advanced, and under the Maduro administration the country has suffered a sharp economic contraction and high inflation over the past decade, leaving many citizens in hardship.

In addition to aging infrastructure, unstable power supply has long been a challenge. Repeated large-scale blackouts, along with water and medical systems that are not functioning properly, have left chronic shortages of supplies. These conditions could further amplify the damage from the latest disaster.

According to Reuters, Chevron, the US oil major operating in Venezuela, said on the 25th that it was continuing operations in the country as normal and had confirmed the safety of all employees. No major damage has been confirmed so far at refineries and oil fields near the epicenter.

US President Trump posted on social media that the United States is ready to provide assistance and has both the will and the capacity to do so. He also said he had instructed all government agencies to respond quickly, stressing that the country would 'rush to the aid of our new great friends'.

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