ALBAWABA - Two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela, killing at least 32 people and injuring over 700 others, the country's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, announced Thursday.
The 7.2 and the 7.5 magnitude quakes caused the collapse of entire buildings, as documented on videos shared on social media.
First responders and rescue teams are searching under the rubble looking for survivors after the disaster. The nation's leader declared a state of emergency across the country.
The earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 hit the same area of Venezuela on Wednesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported.
People gather on a street next to a damaged car and building following an earthquake in Valencia, Venezuela, on June 24, 2026. Photo by JACINTO OLIVEROS / AFP
Rodriguez addressed the nation today, "At this time, we have received reports of 32 deaths" and "more than 700 injured."
The casualties are expected to jump as Rodriguez said she did not yet have data on the "hardest-hit region" of La Guaira, a city near the capital.
She added, "We urge our population to remain calm." "We urge unity."
On the other hand, after the collapse of a number of buildings in Venezuela, the Ministry of Education announced turning some schools in the heavily affected regions into shelters and donation centres.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared condolences with the people in Venezuela after the powerful quakes.
He wrote, "The United States extends our deepest condolences to the people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes."
"Our hearts are with all those who have lost loved ones, those injured, and the courageous rescue workers working tirelessly in the aftermath," the statement read.
Rubio said, "America stands with the Venezuelan people during this difficult time and at the direction of President Trump, the State Department is immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela."
