Powerful earthquakes strike Venezuela, hundreds dead or injured
A pair of powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela, killing at least 235 people and injuring around 4,300. The hardest‑hit area was the coastal state of La Guaira, where many buildings collapsed and the main international airport was forced to close. The United States and several other nations have pledged humanitarian assistance, and the U.S. Treasury temporarily waived sanctions to facilitate relief efforts.
- ▪The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quakes had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring less than a minute apart near Montalbán.
- ▪Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency, ordered school closures, and urged unity as rescue operations continued.
- ▪President Donald Trump announced that U.S. agencies would deploy search teams, medical resources, and humanitarian aid, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio coordinated the response.
- ▪The U.S. Treasury waived certain sanctions until October 23 to allow transactions for earthquake relief, and aid offers came from Argentina, Brazil, China, Mexico, and other countries.
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World Venezuela earthquakes kill at least 235, injure thousands, with toll likely to rise, officials say Updated on: June 25, 2026 / 11:13 PM EDT / CBS/AP Add CBS News on Google At least 235 people were killed and some 4,300 injured by a pair of powerful earthquakes that rocked Venezuela Wednesday evening, officials said Thursday. The toll was likely to keep rising as rescuers continued searching collapsed buildings and emergency crews raced to access devastated areas. "Unfortunately we have received around 235 patients who arrive without vital signs or die when they arrive at our health facilities," Health Minister Carlos Alvarado told state media Thursday.The U.S. Geological Survey said the temblors had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
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