Earthquake devastates Venezuela amid political uncertainty

Thu Jun 25 2026 16:21:06 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A twin 7.0 quake pounded Caracas, adding to a nation already grappling with political turmoil and infrastructure woes.

Recent twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, killing dozens and injuring many more, at a time when the country is still adjusting to the US‑led seizure of President Maduro and the leadership of his ally Delcy Rodríguez. Rodríguez’s televised address called for unity and declared a state of emergency, highlighting challenges such as a decimated civil‑security fleet and the absence of adequate funding for emergency services. The quake exposed the long‑standing lag in the nation’s infrastructure, especially in public housing and power supply, caused by years of mismanagement and sanctions. In a surprise move, Rodríguez thanked foreign governments—including the United States—for their offers of aid, a departure from Maduro’s earlier stricter reliance on ideological allies. The relief efforts now hinge on international assistance and the resilience of families awaiting news of buried relatives.

Earthquake devastates Venezuela amid political uncertainty

Twin 7.0‑plus quakes slammed Caracas and its suburbs Wednesday, killing dozens and leaving many more injured. The emergency relief services have been stretched thin with communication lines down in the worst‑hit areas.

Just six months ago, President Nicolás Maduro was seized by U.S. forces and taken to New York on drug‑trafficking charges. The power vacuum was filled by his ally, former vice‑president Delcy Rodríguez, sparking anger among opposition supporters who had expected María Corina Machado to lead.

Rodríguez’s address on the state channel VTV – delivered more than two hours after the quakes – called on Venezuelans ‘first and foremost’ to unite. She declared a national state of emergency and appointed General Juan Ernesto Sulbarán of the National Guard to lead the crisis response.

This appointment highlighted the decades‑long military dominance in the government’s key ministries, especially housing, electricity and civil protection. Years of sanctions and mismanagement have left the country’s public housing and electrical grid in a weakened state, with shortages of cement, poor maintenance and aged buildings primed for collapse.

Unlike the previous regime’s policy of seeking aid only from ideological partners, Rodríguez thanked the United States, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Chile for offering assistance. She acknowledged that solidarity from fellow citizens has become “an invaluable source of strength in moments like these.”

The acceptance of foreign help could become a lifeline for families waiting for the news of buried relatives, turning a devastating natural disaster into a moment of hope amid uncertainty.