Death toll from Venezuela earthquake rises to 235 as US military aid arrives
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The death toll from a series of catastrophic earthquakes that rocked Venezuela this week has risen to at least 235, with at least 4,300 injured and thousands missing as US military leadership arrived in Caracas to help coordinate relief efforts.
The death toll is expected to rise on Friday following the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday night, about 120 kilometers west of Caracas.
Venezuelan state television broadcast dramatic images of rescuers, including a woman trapped under cement, her bare foot sticking out before workers were able to pull her out alive, the Associated Press reported. The injured were seen being pulled out of the debris covered in dust and blood, including children and animals.
US Southern Command says overnight US Marine Corps Maj General Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas on Thursday “to oversee the Department of Defense’s support for earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela.”
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Neighbors carry a man rescued from the rubble of a collapsed building in La Guaira, Venezuela, Thursday, June 25, 2026, a day after an earthquake struck the area. (Photo by Pedro Mattey/AP)
SOUTHCOM’s announcement comes as the Trump administration has launched a global humanitarian aid program, pledging $150 million in aid and sending US Navy warships to assist in life-saving operations.
“Maj. Gen. Jarrard serves as the top US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) commander on the ground and works closely with partners to plan, coordinate, and direct the unparalleled capabilities of the US military to support the rapid, life-saving movement of response personnel, equipment, and humanitarian aid to affected areas,” said SOUTHCOM in a statement by the President of Del. Rodríguez – formally requested American aid.
“Soldiers assigned to the US military will use fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft to provide special transport services and assist US Government personnel, search and rescue teams, and partners to assess damage and deliver critical life-saving assistance,” SOUTHCOM said.
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Responders search for victims in a collapsed building in Caracas, Venezuela, after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake and a 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit the area on June 24, 2026. (Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)
The coastal region of La Guaira, located north of Caracas, suffered the most damage and death toll. The country’s main airport was closed due to damage, complicating relief efforts.
Retired teacher Juan Alberto Mendaño climbed through the rubble in La Guaira and passed a body when he saw a trapped woman gesturing for help, according to the AP.
“May God save him soon,” said Mendaño. “When we heard the cries, there was nothing we could do.”
Venezuelan authorities said they were diverting rescue teams from other parts of the country to La Guaira.
Rodríguez also urged businesses on Thursday to make heavy construction equipment available for rescue operations.
Patients lie outside a hospital evacuated after being injured in an earthquake in Catia La Mar, Venezuela, on June 25, 2026. (Pedro Mattey/AP)
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“We hope to rescue many people alive,” said Rodríguez, referring to La Guaira as “a place of disaster.”
Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
