In one of the most critical rescue operations in Venezuela in recent years following the twin deadly earthquakes, rescue teams are racing against time in Caracas and the surrounding areas.
Signs of life continue to be detected beneath the rubble of destroyed buildings. Rescuers are working around the clock, trying to reach as many trapped people as possible and save them.
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The initial death toll of 32 and more than 700 injured from the earthquakes in Venezuela is expected to rise dramatically, with the U.S. Geological Survey leaving open the possibility that the death toll could reach as high as tens of thousands.
Meanwhile, according to the mayor of the municipality of Chacao, Gustavo Duque, rescue teams are not only locating people trapped in the rubble, but in several cases are still hearing people alive calling for help from beneath the debris.
“Fortunately, we can hear people who are alive beneath the rubble, and we will rescue them all,” he said in a public statement, describing an operation that is unfolding literally second by second.
READ ALSO: Anxiety Amid the Rubble in Venezuela: Estimates of Up to 100,000 Dead (VIDEO)
Dozens Rescued—The Operation Continues Unabated
So far, authorities report that at least 18 to 23 people have been rescued alive from the rubble in the Chacao area, one of the hardest-hit areas of the capital.
Those rescued are being transported immediately to local medical centers for first aid, while several remain under close observation due to their injuries.
The mayor of Chacao stressed that “we will not leave the site until we have found the very last person we can save,” highlighting both the pressure and the determination of the rescue teams.
In Caracas and La Guaira, they are still pulling people and animals from the rubble pic.twitter.com/Qbemlh5Xtf
Advertisement— ElBuni (@therealbuni) June 25, 2026
At the same time, dozens, if not hundreds, remain trapped in buildings damaged by the powerful earthquakes, with rescuers hearing them cry out for help.
A Caracas resident “leaned out onto the balcony, screaming: ‘We’re trapped. We need help. Please, someone come.’”
Two more aftershocks followed, which, as Martha Anies told CNNi, lasted from one minute to 90 seconds, “but felt endless.”
READ ALSO: “It was like a horror movie”: The moment Enceladus strikes Venezuela—shocking eyewitness accounts (VIDEO)
Our rescue workers are deployed in the affected areas to support response efforts following the seismic events recorded in #Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/bMryuxKFe3
— Venezuelan Red Cross (@CruzRojaVe) June 25, 2026
“Scenes of chaos”—Residents flee their homes
Thousands of residents have taken to the streets, setting up makeshift tents and improvised camps, fearing new aftershocks or further collapses.
The accounts are shocking. “Like a horror movie,” many describe the moment of the earthquake, noting that buildings “swayed from side to side,” objects fell from homes and shelves, and streets were filled with dust and debris within seconds.
The sense of insecurity remains acute, as aftershocks continue and the structural instability of many buildings poses a constant danger.
Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, was struck by two major earthquakes that occurred within seconds of each other. The first earthquake, measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, struck the Montalbán area, just west of Caracas, according to the monitoring agency of the Geological Survey of… pic.twitter.com/wUjTsPbF02
— Johari Central (@joharicentral) June 25, 2026
Matsado: “Every hour counts”
María Corida Matsado, leader of the Venezuelan opposition and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, emphasizes that “every hour counts” in the wake of the devastating earthquakes.
“To the thousands of Venezuelans who, at this very moment, are on the streets of Caracas, Vargas, Aragua, Carabobo, Yaracuy, Lara, and other states in our country—forced to leave everything behind due to the collapse or structural damage to their homes: we send you all our strength, faith, and prayers,” he adds in a post on X.
READ ALSO: Chaos in Venezuela after a pair of powerful earthquakes: Entire areas leveled, initial assessment (VIDEO)
“We stand in solidarity with those who are experiencing the terrible anguish of having loved ones go missing.” Matsado calls for “solidarity and mobilization from all Venezuelans,” both within the country and abroad.
“The emergency situation is critical; the pain is immeasurable. Every hour counts.”
Images from the twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in Venezuela. At least 32 people have died and more than 700 are injured, but there is still no information on the situation in La Guaira, a “disaster zone” https://t.co/QPN3jh3487 pic.twitter.com/hfmwVD4N9L
— Europa Press (@europapress) June 25, 2026
Two aftershocks, measuring 4.5 and 4.4 – 94% probability of an aftershock of magnitude 5 or higher
At least two minor earthquakes —one measuring 4.5 and the other 4.4—have been recorded in Venezuela following the two powerful, deadly earthquakes that struck in the early morning hours, both near Caracas.
Based on decades of historical data, the U.S. Geological Survey predicts that at least one aftershock of magnitude 5.0 or greater is likely to occur within the next week, putting the probability at 94%.
Aid from China, the EU, the U.S., and Latin American countries
China, a strategic partner of Venezuela, announced its readiness to provide “all possible assistance” to the country, which was struck by two powerful earthquakes, depending on its needs.
“China is willing to offer all possible assistance, in an appropriate manner and in accordance with Venezuela’s needs,” said a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
From Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced via X that the State Department would immediately send rescue teams, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid to Venezuela. “America stands with the people of Venezuela during these difficult times.”
Meanwhile, Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that “the two major earthquakes that struck the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have caused a terrifying death toll,” although the official death toll currently stands at 32. “We will stand by our new and wonderful friends.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed readiness to send aid.
The European Union is ready to send aid, announced European Commissioner for Crisis Management Haja Labib.
In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he was ready to send emergency aid. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it would propose activating the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism, which coordinates and funds emergency relief operations.
The German military announced that it is ready to deploy aircraft.
Whether they are “sister countries” or not, most Latin American countries have offered their assistance to Venezuela.
Havana announced that medical personnel on the ground have already been mobilized and are providing medical care to the earthquake-stricken population.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced via X that she had requested the necessary aid be prepared, clarifying that Caracas had requested specialized rescue teamsand nurses.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio da Silva offered Brazil’s assistance in rebuilding the earthquake-stricken areas.
Argentina, under President Javier Milei, expressed solidarity “beyond differences” and a readiness to assist.
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa, who is aligned with Trump, announced the dispatch of rescue teams and humanitarian aid “despite our enormous differences.”
The Dominican Republic and El Salvador announced the dispatch of rescue teams and humanitarian aid. Chile, Uruguay, and Costa Rica have expressed their intention to send aid.
PHOTO EPA/RAYNER PENA
