At least 589 dead, more than 2,900 injured after back-to-back major earthquakes devastate Venezuela
These were the strongest earthquakes to hit Venezuela since a magnitude 7.7 quake struck just off the country's coast in 1900, according to the United States Geological Survey.
Watch: Major earthquake rocks Simon Bolivar International Airport in Venezuela
Back-to-back magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, respectively, rocked Venezuela Wednesday evening. Simon Bolivar International Airport was closed early Thursday. Video showed passengers fleeing as the airport shook.
CARACAS, Venezuela — Rescue workers from around the world are converging on Venezuela after two major earthquakes struck about 120 miles west of Caracas on Wednesday.
The reported death toll climbed to at least 588 on Friday, with more than 2,900 injured, according to comments by Venezuela's health minister on state TV.
![CARACAS, VENEZUELA - JUNE 25: People and rescuers work on the debris of a collapsed building after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Venezuela and other regions in the Caribbean on June 25, 2026 in Caracas, Venezuela.]()
Image 1 of 8CARACAS, VENEZUELA - JUNE 25: People and rescuers work on the debris of a collapsed building after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Venezuela and other regions in the Caribbean on June 25, 2026 in Caracas, Venezuela. ((Photo by Edilzon Gamez/Getty Images))
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Image 2 of 8CARACAS, VENEZUELA - JUNE 25: People and rescuers work on the debris of a collapsed building after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Venezuela and other regions in the Caribbean on June 25, 2026 in Caracas, Venezuela. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the main earthquake was followed by a 7.5-magnitude aftershock less than a minute later. ((Photo by Edilzon Gamez/Getty Images))
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Image 3 of 8Rescuers search for victims in a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026. ( Juan BARRETO / AFP via Getty Images)
![Traffic moves along a road past heavily damaged apartment buildings following an earthquake in Catia La Mar, La Guaira state, about 30 km northwest of Caracas, on June 25, 2026.]()
Image 4 of 8Traffic moves along a road past heavily damaged apartment buildings following an earthquake in Catia La Mar, La Guaira state, about 30 km northwest of Caracas, on June 25, 2026. ((Photo by Juan BARRETO / AFP via Getty Images))
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Image 5 of 8Municipal police officers evacuate an injured victim from a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026. (Juan BARRETO / AFP via Getty Images)
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Image 6 of 8Rescue workers carry a person on a stretcher out of a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026. (Juan BARRETO / AFP via Getty Images)
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Image 7 of 8View of a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026. (Leticia PINEDA / AFP via Getty Images))
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Image 8 of 8Rescue workers and municipal police officers work at the site of a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026. (Manaure QUINTERO / AFP via Getty Images)
An initial magnitude 7.2 earthquake was the first event in a doublet, and was followed roughly 39 seconds later by a larger 7.5 mainshock, resulting in the issuance of a rare red alert by the U.S. Geological Survey for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said that a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck at 6:04 p.m. ET, with its epicenter about 15 miles east-northeast of San Felipe, Venezuela, at a depth of about 13.6 miles.
STRONG MAGNITUDE 6.9 EARTHQUAKE SHAKES OFF EASTERN COAST OF JAPAN
A second major earthquake struck just seconds later, according to the USGS. The magnitude 7.5 quake occurred at 6:05 p.m. ET, with its epicenter about 14 miles southeast of Yumare, Venezuela, at a depth of approximately 6 miles.
Earthquake Tracker.
The second-highest shaking level rated by the USGS, classified as "violent," was reported in the city of San Cabello, with a population of 209,000.
These were the strongest earthquakes to strike Venezuela since a magnitude 7.7 quake struck just off the country's coast in 1900, according to the USGS. A magnitude 7.0 quake hit the northern state of Sucre in 1997.
A view shows a heavily damaged apartment building following an earthquake in Catia La Mar, La Guaira state, about 30 km northwest of Caracas, on June 25, 2026.
((Photo by Juan BARRETO / AFP via Getty Images) / Getty Images)
Rodriguez said she remains in contact with the governor of the state of La Guaira, which she said has suffered some of the most extensive damage.
La Guaira is about 30 miles north of Caracas. Images from the area showed a number of collapsed buildings, and the state has been declared a disaster zone.
Back-to-back earthquakes rattle Venezuela
INTENSE DAMAGE: Doublet earthquakes occurred in Venezuela tonight, causing damage in the country's capital city of Caracas. Stay tuned to FOX Weather as we provide more updates.
Meanwhile, Simón Bolívar International Airport, which serves Caracas and is Venezuela's primary international airport, sustained damage and is currently closed.
Social media video showed travelers fleeing the airport as it shook during one of the quakes.
WHAT TO DO DURING AND AFTER AN EARTHQUAKE
The acting president said she has been in contact with President Donald Trump and other international leaders who have promised aid.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Thursday that American search and rescue teams have been deployed to the country.
The United States extends our deepest condolences to the people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes.
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) June 25, 2026
Our hearts are with all those who have lost loved ones, those injured, and the courageous rescue workers working tirelessly in the aftermath.
America stands…
The National Weather Service Tsunami Warning Center initially warned that there was a tsunami threat to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands of sea level fluctuations and strong ocean currents that could be hazardous along coasts and beaches.
The tsunami warnings were canceled in a later advisory issued at 7:12 p.m.
People stand in the rubble near a damaged building following an earthquake in Catia La Mar, La Guaira State, some 30kms north-west of Caracas, early on June 25, 2026.
((Photo by Federico PARRA / AFP via Getty Images))
According to NWS tsunami forecasts, wave heights affecting Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands were expected to remain below 1 foot.
This is a developing story. Check back with FOX Weather for the latest.