On Wednesday, the twofer from Hell hit an unsuspecting Venezuela in an unimaginable, rapid-fire one-two punch.
A pair of earthquakes over magnitude 7 rocked the country, centered about 125 miles west of Caracas, with one coming mere seconds after the other.
The second earthquake that hit Venezuela on Wednesday started rumbling before the first had even concluded. Their onsets were separated by just 39 seconds.
The U.S. Geological Survey has described the pair of earthquakes — a 7.1-magnitude and a 7.5-magnitude — as a doublet sequence, a phenomenon in which two temblors of similar magnitude strike roughly the same area at around the same time.
“The seismic waves from the first one weren’t done yet when the second one happened,” said Harold Tobin, the director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network and a professor at the University of Washington.
It’s not rare to have two earthquakes in relatively short succession. But in this case, the rapid, back-to-back shaking likely led to more collapsed buildings and other destruction. At least 188 people were killed and at least 1,520 were injured, with more than 150 still missing.
The first earthquake “will probably have weakened some buildings or structures,” Tobin said. “Then collapses would happen during the second earthquake, even if they made it through the first one.”
Having been through a number of earthquakes, large and small, including two major ones during our dozen years in California, I cannot imagine the horror a matched set of such severe temblors would cause. Lord Almighty.
The video coming out of the area has been simply stunning and so frightening.
Creo que es el video más impactante que he visto justo cuando empieza el terremoto en Caracas en la zona de los palos grandes y cae el edif.
— Ťŏny 🗯️ ↬ 𝕏 (@tony_vet) June 25, 2026
Es espeluznante 😱😢🆘 #Venezuela #Sismo
Video de @jeremiasloscher pic.twitter.com/SmXDfLb7HW
I think it's the most shocking video I've ever seen, right when the earthquake starts in Caracas in the Los Palos Grandes area and the building collapses. It's spine-chilling #Venezuela #Sismo
Sadly, it's only in a disaster like this that the fruits of socialism are truly revealed.
Housing built by Hugo Chavez and Maduro to mollify the masses, made of foam and thin, flimsy steel framing beams, leaned over like drunks, unable to withstand the earth rocking. Their shoddy secrets were exposed as the foundations bent and twisted.
...The Belarusian agreement with Venezuela for the construction of those homes. Made of cardboard and foam rubber
I mean seriously, look at this cardboard and foam walls suppose to keep up the entire building.
— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) June 26, 2026
Who the hell thought this was safe?
Venezuela 🇻🇪 https://t.co/9a3uRJyreT pic.twitter.com/CuKEkxe1xT
En realidad son Viviendas de uso provisional prometidas (por el gobierno) como viviendas de uso permanente. Recuerdo que le llamaban "soluciones habitacionales", el gobierno lo hacía para robar y para ganar adeptos... Terribles consecuencias.
— انطونيو لاِداِسما (@josealedezma) June 26, 2026
In reality, they are temporary-use housing units promised (by the government) as permanent-use housing. I remember they called them "housing solutions"; the government did it to steal and to gain followers... Terrible consequences.
I won't even bother drawing any parallels to what happened in New York City on Tuesday, as obviously, the answer is that Venezuelan socialists just didn't do socialism right.
Venezuela looks like it was BOMBED after two MASSIVE 7.1 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes.
— Ryan Rozbiani (@RyanRozbiani) June 25, 2026
Pray for the people, this is really bad pic.twitter.com/pIw8ywXzYe
This was the scene at the airport.
🔴El Servicio Geológico de Estados Unidos actualiza al alza la magnitud del terremoto en Venezuela a 7.5
— Azucena Uresti (@azucenau) June 24, 2026
Así los daños en el Aeropuerto Internacional de Maiquetía
pic.twitter.com/DTfMDz2yBs
The United States Geological Service raises the magnitude of the earthquake in Venezuela to 7.5 Thus the damages at Maiquetía International Airport
Heartbreaking.
😢Así vivieron esta pareja de ancianos el terremoto de #Venezuela
— Cristian Crespo F. 🇨🇺 (@cristiancrespoj) June 25, 2026
Dos fuertes sismos sacudieron el miércoles el oeste de la capital de Venezuela, provocando el derrumbe de edificios en #Caracas, dejando personas atrapadas bajo los escombros, y llevaron a científicos a estimar… pic.twitter.com/aci0yLAxSe
This is how this elderly couple experienced the #Venezuela earthquake Two strong earthquakes struck the west of Venezuela's capital on Wednesday, causing buildings to collapse in #Caracas, leaving people trapped under the rubble, and leading scientists to estimate that there would be "numerous casualties and extensive damage" in the country.
The scale of the damage and destruction is so overwhelming. Cities from Caracas to the coast have been devastated, and then you think of all the little towns in between.
Edificio Oasis, Playa grande
— Alerta Mundial (@TuiteroSismico) June 25, 2026
La Guaira, Venezuela
Totalmente colapsado !
Tremendo como se oyen los gritos!! pic.twitter.com/pY8pSy2SPr
Oasis Building, Playa Grande La Guaira, Venezuela
Completely collapsed! Unbelievable how the screams can be heard!!
Just blasted
Aerial footage filmed from a helicopter early Thursday morning shows the scale of damage caused to the Northern Venezuelan coastal cities of Maiquetía and La Guaira, following yesterday’s pair of major earthquakes, which each measured a 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude and struck just to… pic.twitter.com/dwFt58LYsB
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 25, 2026
Local rescuers dove in, relentlessly searching for signs of life, and helping rescue whoever they found alive...
Entre el polvo, el caos y la desesperación...
— Robert | X (@RobertCoavas) June 25, 2026
Este rescate en Venezuela es un recordatorio de que, incluso en los peores momentos, siempre hay personas dispuestas a arriesgarlo todo por salvar otra vida.
Es difícil verlo sin emocionarse.
El mundo entero ora por Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/syelrLaDE9
Amid the dust, the chaos, and the desperation...
This rescue in Venezuela is a reminder that, even in the worst moments, there are always people willing to risk everything to save another life.
It's hard to watch without getting emotional.
The entire world prays for Venezuela.
...even the littlest souls.
Milagro entre los escombros que dejó el terrible terremoto en Venezuela. Miembros del Cuerpo de Bomberos escucharon un débil quejido y con paciencia, fuerza y mucho corazón, removieron toneladas de escombros hasta dar con él: un pequeño perrito sepultado vivo 🙏
— Plataforma ALTO (@PlataformaALTO) June 25, 2026
Cuando… pic.twitter.com/JYCm9aoTqK
Miracle among the rubble left by the terrible earthquake in Venezuela. Members of the Fire Department heard a faint whimper and with patience, strength, and a lot of heart, they removed tons of debris until they found him: a little puppy buried alive 🙏
When they finally brought him into the light, trembling, covered in dust and with eyes full of fear, the pup snuggled into the arms of his rescuers.
A wag of the tail and a gentle lick on the hands were his way of saying “thank you for not giving up.”
Many thanks to these heroes. All lives are valuable
Earthquake in Venezuela. Caracas
The aftershocks are substantial and have been raising havoc with rescue efforts.
😭🚨🆘‼️Nueva réplica en La Guaira.
— Cristian Crespo F. 🇨🇺 (@cristiancrespoj) June 26, 2026
Un sismo de magnitud preliminar 4.4 se registró la madrugada de este viernes 26 de junio.
Se sintió con fuerza. #Venezuela #quepasaenvzla #quepasaenvenezuela#Temblor #SismoVenezuela #laguaira pic.twitter.com/dB4iU3zX65
New replica in La Guaira. A preliminary magnitude 4.4 earthquake was recorded in the early hours of this Friday, June 26. It was felt strongly. #Venezuela
Beyond Venezuela's borders, help was being mobilized almost immediately. Nayib Bukele of El Salvador had supplies being loaded even as aftershocks were still rolling through the devastated region.
En este momento, hemos ofrecido ayuda al Gobierno de Venezuela a través de nuestra Cancillería.
— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) June 25, 2026
300 rescatistas y paramédicos, junto con 50 toneladas de equipo, medicamentos e insumos de primera necesidad, están listos para partir hacia Caracas 🇸🇻🇻🇪
At this moment, we have offered assistance to the Government of Venezuela through our Foreign Ministry. 300 rescuers and paramedics, along with 50 tons of equipment, medicines, and essential supplies, are ready to depart for Caracas
El segundo avión ya llegó a Venezuela y el tercero ya está en camino con más maquinaria, equipo e insumos para fortalecer las labores de búsqueda, rescate y atención.
— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) June 26, 2026
En total serán 6 aviones los que enviaremos como parte de esta misión humanitaria en apoyo a nuestros hermanos… pic.twitter.com/1Xv3jxs9nL
The second plane has already arrived in Venezuela, and the third is already on its way with more machinery, equipment, and supplies to bolster the search, rescue, and assistance efforts.
In total, we will send 6 planes as part of this humanitarian mission in support of our Venezuelan brothers and sisters.
May God bless Venezuela and all those who are part of this mission
Naturally, the US had also mobilized its own initial relief efforts, disaster response teams and the like, while helping coordinate other relief flights, logistics, and incoming supplies, as the airport infrastructure had been desperately compromised.
Marco Rubio habló sobre la magnitud de la crisis en Venezuela:
— Jhonf Fonseca (@Jhonffonseca) June 25, 2026
“El aeropuerto está prácticamente destruido. Por eso tendremos que depender del Departamento de Defensa para desplegar la ayuda humanitaria sobre el terreno.”
Esta declaración revela la gravedad de la situación y el… pic.twitter.com/yFwIaO8ZU2
Marco Rubio spoke about the magnitude of the crisis in Venezuela:
“The airport is practically destroyed. That’s why we will have to rely on the Department of Defense to deploy humanitarian aid on the ground.”
This statement reveals the severity of the situation and the enormous logistical challenge of international aid. It’s not just any shipment: it’s an emergency operation in a collapsed country.
Rubio said there were already search-and-rescue teams en route to Venezuela from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles.
The US efforts are receiving rave reviews from groups on the ground who were, thankfully, close by in Jamaica and able to get to Venezuela expeditiously.
.@NEWSMAX: "Marco Rubio did a fantastic job. We were on the ground in Jamaica, and saw the tremendous support they were giving. And now we're there in Venezuela." pic.twitter.com/COtYTofCeQ
— Department of State (@StateDept) June 26, 2026
And Hegseth has troops on the move.
When called, the @DeptofWar moves.
— U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) June 26, 2026
A C-17 Globemaster III was loaded overnight at Dover AFB with Urban Search and Rescue personnel and equipment for transport to Venezuela in support of @StateDept-led humanitarian response efforts.
America’s military is delivering the people and… pic.twitter.com/zMguJ7Ra4q
The Mexican Air Force has two planeloads of help there, Israel, France, and even the 'Swiss Mountain Chain,' with 80 specialists, 8 search dogs, and 18 tons of equipment, is on the way. The world will help.
🇻🇪 #VenezuelaQuake
— Shafek Koreshe (@shafeKoreshe) June 26, 2026
235+ Dead & thousands missing.
🚨 Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, rescue workers, mobile hospitals/medical support, armed forces/logistics, humanitarian supplies, and related aid from several countries is being rushed in to #Venezuela to help the authorities in… pic.twitter.com/vF6fyyTMKw
Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, rescue workers, mobile hospitals/medical support, armed forces/logistics, humanitarian supplies, and related aid from several countries is being rushed in to #Venezuela to help the authorities in facing one of the most devastating natural calamities - back to back #earthquakes on June 24.
🆘 Countries sending SAR/rescue teams & aid to Venezuela
**Countries sending SAR/rescue teams & aid to Venezuela 🇻🇪
🇸🇻 El Salvador: ~300 rescuers + paramedics + 50t supplies
🇲🇽 Mexico: ~250 military personnel, dogs, aircraft & medical aid
🇺🇸 United States: Urban SAR teams, DART, medical & humanitarian support
🇩🇴 Dominican Republic: Rescue & military teams
🇫🇷 France: 85 SAR specialists + medical teams
🇪🇸 Spain: 54 Military Emergency Unit + dogs
🇨🇴 Colombia: 60+ urban SAR team + dogs + equipment
🇪🇨 Ecuador: 46 SAR specialists + dogs + equipment
🇧🇴 Bolivia: Mobile Field Hospitals and medical teams
🛰️ Starlink: Free service & of terminals deployment to restore connectivity
Others: 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇶🇦 Qatar, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇵🇦 Panama have pledged to dispatch their teams.
**Solidarity in action** — situation evolving fast.
Even the Cajun Navy assessment team is there.
The death toll is rising, and the images were getting out of Venezuela from our volunteers on the ground are very harrowing. Please pray for Venezuela! 🙏 https://t.co/wwNr3PNHbm pic.twitter.com/Exw9DAn1qA
— United Cajun Navy (@Unitedcajunnavy) June 25, 2026
You know those folks are in good hands now.
God bless everyone, keep them as safe as they possibly can be, and keep the baser instincts of the regime remnants at bay. There are already reports of regime interference with supply distribution and widespread looting in some areas.
It is what it is there - it can be better, but they have to dig out of this first.
Pray for those little miracles in the hard days to come that give rescuers the spark to keep going.
After the earthquake in Venezuela, a family was searching for their baby among the rubble. The dad, in tears, called out to him at the top of his lungs AND THE BABY CRAWLED OUT.
This is a miracle
I’m not crying. You’re crying.
— Snarknado ⚓️ 🇺🇸 (@ZannSuz) June 26, 2026
Thank God for small miracles just like this. And God bless the people of Venezuela.
They'll need every last one of them.
Beege ADDS: Great picture from the Virginia SAR team as they took off.
When disaster strikes, we answer the call. USA-01 is enroute to #Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes, w/ 79 personnel, six K9s, and 70k lbs of equipment. We are honored to represent the US, bringing our expertise, compassion, & unwavering dedication to those affected. pic.twitter.com/8snA89Qwae
— VA-TF1 / USA-01 - Urban Search and Rescue (@VATF1) June 26, 2026
Stay safe and frosty.
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