A devastating double earthquake has struck Venezuela, sending shockwaves across the nation and causing widespread destruction. According to officials, a 7.2-magnitude foreshock was followed within seconds by a stronger 7.5-magnitude mainshock, intensifying the impact. The powerful tremors led to building collapses and severe damage in multiple neighborhoods of Caracas, leaving residents trapped under rubble as rescue teams rush to the scene.

Venezuela’s President has confirmed that the death toll has now risen to 164, with nearly 1,000 people injured. Emergency services are working around the clock as hospitals struggle to cope with the influx of casualties. Authorities warn that the numbers could rise further as search and rescue operations continue in heavily affected areas.

Search and Rescue Operations Underway After Deadly Earthquake Hits Venezuela 

A devastating double earthquake has struck Venezuela, sending shockwaves across the nation and causing widespread destruction. According to officials, a 7.2-magnitude foreshock was followed within seconds by a stronger 7.5-magnitude mainshock, intensifying the impact. The powerful tremors led to building collapses and severe damage in multiple neighborhoods of Caracas, leaving residents trapped under rubble as rescue teams rush to the scene.

Venezuela’s President has confirmed that the death toll has now risen to 164, with nearly 1,000 people injured. Emergency services are working around the clock as hospitals struggle to cope with the influx of casualties. Authorities warn that the numbers could rise further as search and rescue operations continue in heavily affected areas. 

From Venezuela to Japan, 4 Major Earthquakes in Just 4 Hours, What's Happening 

Thousands of Venezuelans were feared dead on Thursday after two powerful earthquakes wreaked havoc in and around the capital Caracas, trapping people beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings and setting off powerful aftershocks. A magnitude 7.2 ​earthquake hit about 160 km west of Caracas on Wednesday afternoon, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century.


Venezuela Earthquake Terrifying Footage | Buildings Collapse Like a Pack of Cards on Camera

Venezuela Faces Its Deadliest Quake In Years

Venezuela Earthquake: Twin Quake Strikes Caracas, Buildings Collapse, Residents Flee In Panic

A state of emergency has been declared in Venezuela following twin earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes that struck the country's northern coast on June 24, 2026. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed at least 32 fatalities and over 700 injuries, warning that these numbers are expected to rise as rescue teams continue to navigate the debris of collapsed buildings in La Guaira and Caracas.


Venezuela Earthquake: Venezuela Declares Emergency, High Death Toll Feared 

Venezuela Earthquake: At Least 32 Killed, 700 Injured in the Deadly Earthquake 

A devastating pair of earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds of each other, with a 7.2-magnitude foreshock followed by a stronger 7.5-magnitude mainshock. The powerful tremors triggered building collapses and severe damage in several Caracas neighborhoods.


Venezuela Earthquake: Rare 'Doublet' Quakes Strike, 7.5 Mainshock Follows 7.2 Foreshock

Venezuela was struck by a devastating seismic event: a powerful 7.5 magnitude mainshock preceded by a 7.2 magnitude foreshock just 39 seconds earlier. The tremors caused widespread destruction, with reports of collapsed buildings and heavy damage in Caracas, particularly in the Chacao, Altamira, and Los Palos Grandes areas.


Venezuela Earthquake: 7.5 Magnitude Mainshock Preceded by 7.2 Magnitude Foreshock

Reports suggest that Venezuela’s president has visited an Indian spiritual leader’s ashram, drawing attention to the long-standing spiritual ties between Venezuelan political figures and Indian gurus. The visit is linked to Sathya Sai Baba’s ashram tradition in India, where several Venezuelan leaders and diplomats have reportedly sought spiritual guidance.

Why Did Venezuela's President Visit An Indian Godman's Ashram?

In a landmark visit to New Delhi, Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has arrived for a high-stakes, five-day diplomatic mission. This visit marks the first high-level engagement between the two nations following the January 2026 U.S. military operation that removed Nicolás Maduro from power.  


India-Venezuela Relations In Focus After US Action Against Maduro

Venezuela’s Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has announced the formation of a special commission aimed at overseeing a broad government overhaul. The move is expected to restructure key state institutions and improve administrative efficiency amid ongoing political and economic challenges.


Venezuela's Interim Prez Delcy Rodriguez Forms Commission For Govt Overhaul

Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado held a massive rally in Panama City on the weekend of May 23-24, 2026. She announced her intention to run for president again and vowed to return to Venezuela from exile before the end of the year to lead a democratic transition. 


Venezuela Opposition Leader Holds a Massive Rally in Panama

The US Southern Command has reportedly overseen a military drill in Venezuela’s capital, raising tensions in the region amid ongoing geopolitical friction. The exercise comes as relations between Washington and Caracas remain strained, with both sides closely monitoring each other’s military movements.


US Southern Command Oversees Drill in Venezuelan Capital

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodrigues said that Venezuela never considered becoming the 51st state of the United States, as Trump has been suggesting following the kidnapping of the then-President Nicolas Maduro. US President Donald Trump said in a phone call with Fox News that he was "seriously" considering making Venezuela the 51st state of the United States, claiming that he is popular within the nation.&nbsp;"Venezuela loves Trump," said Trump.&nbsp;Trump said that he is effectively motivated by the $40 trillion worth of Venezuelan oil reserves. "As the President has said, relations between Venezuela and the United States have been extraordinary. Oil is starting to flow, and large amounts of money, unseen for many years, will soon be helping the great people of Venezuela," said a White House spokesperson. The spokesperson said to Fox News that Trump is the reason for the “revitalisation” of the US-Venezuela relationship and that the “best” is yet to come. He did not clarify the plan of the US President regarding Venezuela. Trump's capture of Venezuela's oil reserve had been instrumental in securing US energy requirements, as West Asia has plunged into war.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-venezuela-51st-state-wbc-maduro-trial-1773733226366">‘Statehood #51?’: Trump’s sneaky Venezuela remark after WBC victory</a>"That would never have been considered, because if there is one thing we Venezuelan men and women have, it is that we love our independence process, we love our heroes and heroines of independence," said Delcy Rodrigues after a hearing at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. She was at the top court for a centuries-old dispute with Guyana over an oil-rich region, in her first trip outside the Caribbean since assuming power.Back in March, following Venezuela's success in the baseball World Cup, Trump made a post on the Truth Social platform, "Good things are happening to Venezuela lately! I wonder what this magic is all about? STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?" The US has maintained effective control over Venezuelan oil through a “joint venture” model established following a 2026 military intervention. The export of Venezuelan sour crudes surged to 1.23 million bpd in April 2026, marking the strongest performance since 2018. While Venezuela maintains domestic production capacity, the US Treasury Department continues to control the funds and disburse using its own discretion.&nbsp;

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez rejected Donald Trump’s remarks about making Venezuela the 51st US state, saying Venezuelans “love independence” amid growing US control over Venezuelan oil.

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodrigues said that Venezuela never considered becoming the 51st state of the United States, as Trump has been suggesting following the kidnapping of the then-President Nicolas Maduro. US President Donald Trump said in a phone call with Fox News that he was "seriously" considering making Venezuela the 51st state of the United States, claiming that he is popular within the nation. "Venezuela loves Trump," said Trump. Trump said that he is effectively motivated by the $40 trillion worth of Venezuelan oil reserves. "As the President has said, relations between Venezuela and the United States have been extraordinary. Oil is starting to flow, and large amounts of money, unseen for many years, will soon be helping the great people of Venezuela," said a White House spokesperson. The spokesperson said to Fox News that Trump is the reason for the “revitalisation” of the US-Venezuela relationship and that the “best” is yet to come. He did not clarify the plan of the US President regarding Venezuela. Trump's capture of Venezuela's oil reserve had been instrumental in securing US energy requirements, as West Asia has plunged into war. Also Read: ‘Statehood #51?’: Trump’s sneaky Venezuela remark after WBC victory "That would never have been considered, because if there is one thing we Venezuelan men and women have, it is that we love our independence process, we love our heroes and heroines of independence," said Delcy Rodrigues after a hearing at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. She was at the top court for a centuries-old dispute with Guyana over an oil-rich region, in her first trip outside the Caribbean since assuming power. Back in March, following Venezuela's success in the baseball World Cup, Trump made a post on the Truth Social platform, "Good things are happening to Venezuela lately! I wonder what this magic is all about? STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?" The US has maintained effective control over Venezuelan oil through a “joint venture” model established following a 2026 military intervention. The export of Venezuelan sour crudes surged to 1.23 million bpd in April 2026, marking the strongest performance since 2018. While Venezuela maintains domestic production capacity, the US Treasury Department continues to control the funds and disburse using its own discretion.

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez rejected Donald Trump’s remarks about making Venezuela the 51st US state, saying Venezuelans “love independence” amid growing US control over Venezuelan oil.

Trump says he is ‘seriously considering’ making Venezuela 51st US state; Delcy Rodríguez rejects proposal

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez is heading to The Hague for a land dispute case with Guyana at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The trip to the Netherlands announced on Saturday will be the first time she’s left home since the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro by US forces in January.


Venezuela: Delcy Rodriguez Announces Trip to ICJ to Raise Essequibo Dispute 

US President Donald Trump on Friday (May 1) ordered a fresh wave of sanctions against Cuba, targeting a wide range of individuals linked to the communist-led nation and warning foreign banks against engaging with them. The move marks the latest escalation in the administration’s campaign to intensify pressure on Cuba, which is currently facing a severe economic crisis after the United States cut off oil supplies from Venezuela. 


Trump Announces US Sanctions On Cuban Government; Targets Key Sectors

US President Donald Trump has defended Washington’s growing involvement in Venezuela’s oil sector, describing US-Venezuela relations as a “joint venture” after new oil and gas agreements were signed with American firms. Trump’s controversial “to the victor belong the spoils” remark has triggered debate over US influence in Caracas following the political upheaval earlier this year. Analysts say Venezuela’s massive oil reserves are becoming central to Washington’s energy strategy amid global supply disruptions.


US President Justifies US Control Over Venezuela

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has become the first foreign head of state to visit Venezuela following the ouster of former President Nicolás Maduro. The high-level visit comes as Venezuela undergoes a political transition under interim leadership, with talks focusing on border security, migration, trade, and regional cooperation. 


Colombian President First to Visit Venezuela After Maduro's Ouster 

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is demanding that fresh presidential elections be held "as soon as possible" following the removal of Nicolas Maduro from power, asserting that a "permanent vacancy" exists in the country's leadership. 


Venezuela's Opposition Leader Demands Fresh Presidential Elections

In a major policy shift, the United States has eased sanctions on Venezuela’s central bank and key financial institutions, allowing them to reconnect with the global financial system. The move is expected to boost Venezuela’s struggling economy by enabling transactions, remittances, and access to international banking. While not a complete rollback, the decision signals a gradual thaw in ties and a push to stabilise the country’s economic situation.


US Eases Sanctions On Venezuela Central Bank

The United States has eased key sanctions on the Central Bank of Venezuela, allowing limited financial transactions with major state-run institutions and reopening parts of Venezuela’s access to the global financial system. The move permits international transfers, foreign-exchange services and dollar-based operations that had been restricted for years.


US Eases Sanctions On Venezuela Central Bank | US Opens Venezuela Financial System

Tensions are rising in Caracas as workers and pensioners take to the streets, protesting wages that have remained unchanged since 2022. Thousands marched toward the presidential palace but were blocked by police, leading to clashes and chaos on the streets. Protesters threw bottles while security forces pushed back the crowds. Despite the unrest, no immediate injuries or arrests were reported, highlighting the growing frustration over Venezuela’s deepening economic crisis.


Venezuela Protests: Caracas Boils Over As Workers Clash With Police Over Frozen Wages 

US President Donald Trump has indicated that America could "take the oil in Iran" and seize the Kharg Island-- Tehran's main oil export hub-- as war in the Middle East continued into its fifth week. Talking to the Financial Times, the American commander-in-chief said his "preference would be to take the oil", comparing the US military operation in Iran with those in Venezuela earlier this year, where Washington gained control of the oil industry following the capture of the Latin American nation's leader, Nicolas Maduro.


Trump: US Forces Could Take Iran's Kharg Island Very Soon; Floats Seizing Iran Oil Exports

Nicolás Maduro has once again appeared in a New York federal court, weeks after his dramatic capture by US forces and extradition over narcoterrorism and drug trafficking charges. In his first US court hearing, Maduro rejected the allegations and controversially described himself as a “prisoner of war” rather than a criminal defendant, arguing that his capture was a military act and part of a broader geopolitical struggle.


US: Nicolas Maduro, Wife Cilia Flores Battle US Sanctions in Court

Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a New York federal courtroom alongside his wife Cilia Flores as part of his ongoing U.S. drug trafficking and narco‑terrorism case. The hearing focused on a dispute over whether Venezuela’s government can fund his legal defense amid U.S. sanctions, which Maduro’s team says violates his rights and undermines his ability to mount a defense. 


Ex-Venezuela Leader Arrived in New York Court with Wife; Dispute Over Maduro's Legal Fees

A major cabinet reshuffle was announced by Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez on Wenesday. This led to the appointment of a new defence minister, who would replace Gen. Vladimir Padrino López, a cornerstone of the military’s long-standing support for former President Nicolás Maduro. The announcement was made by Rodríguez on her Telegram channel that said the appointment of Gen. Gustavo González López was with immediate effect.&nbsp;In her post she also thanked Padrino López for his “loyalty to the Homeland” and expressed confidence in his future roles.&nbsp;The reshuffle and announcement of new defence minister was made only 10 weeks after Rodríguez took over as acting president from Nicolas Maduro after he was captured by the United States on drug trafficking charges.<h2>Who is González López</h2>&nbsp;González López has an extensive intelligence background&nbsp;He was commander general of the presidential honor guard and head of the military’s counterintelligence agency&nbsp;He was also sanctioned by the US for his role in cracking down on 2014 street protests<h2>Capture of Maduro by US</h2>&nbsp;US launched an attack on the Venezuelan capital Caracas on Saturday (Jan 3) and captured Nicolas Maduro. The attack was a two-hour and twenty-minute mission by air, land and sea. It was unprecedented if compared to the scale and precision it was carried out with.&nbsp;Trump, watched the complex capture in Caracas play out in real time from a room in Mar-a-Lago alongside military generals.&nbsp;“If you would have seen what happened, I mean, I watched it literally, like I was watching a television show,” he said to Fox news.&nbsp;

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez after appointing the new defence chief thanked the outgoing Padrino López for his “loyalty to the Homeland”.

A major cabinet reshuffle was announced by Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez on Wenesday. This led to the appointment of a new defence minister, who would replace Gen. Vladimir Padrino López, a cornerstone of the military’s long-standing support for former President Nicolás Maduro. The announcement was made by Rodríguez on her Telegram channel that said the appointment of Gen. Gustavo González López was with immediate effect. In her post she also thanked Padrino López for his “loyalty to the Homeland” and expressed confidence in his future roles. The reshuffle and announcement of new defence minister was made only 10 weeks after Rodríguez took over as acting president from Nicolas Maduro after he was captured by the United States on drug trafficking charges. Who is González López González López has an extensive intelligence background He was commander general of the presidential honor guard and head of the military’s counterintelligence agency He was also sanctioned by the US for his role in cracking down on 2014 street protests Capture of Maduro by US US launched an attack on the Venezuelan capital Caracas on Saturday (Jan 3) and captured Nicolas Maduro. The attack was a two-hour and twenty-minute mission by air, land and sea. It was unprecedented if compared to the scale and precision it was carried out with. Trump, watched the complex capture in Caracas play out in real time from a room in Mar-a-Lago alongside military generals. “If you would have seen what happened, I mean, I watched it literally, like I was watching a television show,” he said to Fox news.

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez after appointing the new defence chief thanked the outgoing Padrino López for his “loyalty to the Homeland”.

Venezuela appoints new defense chief, replacing longtime Maduro loyalist

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez said on Wednesday that General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez will take over as defense minister from General Vladimir Padrino, a long-time powerbroker ​close to ousted President Nicolas Maduro.
The change is the most important yet in Rodriguez's cabinet and marks the demotion of a general who controlled ‌Venezuela's sprawling military for 11 years under Maduro.

Venezuela Overhauls Military Leadership, Intelligence Chief Named Defence Minister 

US President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, again floated the idea of Venezuelan statehood for the US. Trump hinted that since his takeover of the country, there had been positive changes in the South American country. He was pointing out the victory of the Venezuelan Baseball team over Italy in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) semifinals on March 16, 2026. Trump then suggested, “STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?”"Wow! Venezuela defeated Italy tonight, 4-2, in the WBC (Baseball!) Semifinal," wrote Trump, “Good things are happening to Venezuela lately! I wonder what this magic is all about?”The remark follows the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, after Operation Absolute Resolve, in Venezuela, in the early hours of January 3, 2026. Maduro was then paraded through the city of New York before being placed on trial. The first hearing of the trial was on January 5, 2026, for Nacro terrorism charges. Both Maduro and Flores pleaded “not guilty”. Originally set for March 17, the second hearing was rescheduled to March 26. He is being represented by Barry Pollack, who also represented the journalist and whistleblower Julian Assange.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-iran-war-claims-former-presidents-deny-talks-1773725925327">No talks with Trump on Iran attack, say Clinton, Obama, Bush and Biden</a>

Venezuela will head for a matchup with the US in the final on Tuesday, March 17, at loanDepot Park in Miami. Both the US and Venezuela were among the favourites in the tournament. Venezuela dealt a huge upset in the tournament by defeating the Defending Champion Japan on its way to the final. A victory for Venezuela at the widely considered national sport of the US and favourite pastime of the country will serve as a sweet moment of redemption for the South American nation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Donald Trump suggested Venezuela could become the 51st US state after its WBC win, amid ongoing US intervention and Nicolas Maduro’s trial.

US President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, again floated the idea of Venezuelan statehood for the US. Trump hinted that since his takeover of the country, there had been positive changes in the South American country. He was pointing out the victory of the Venezuelan Baseball team over Italy in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) semifinals on March 16, 2026. Trump then suggested, “STATEHOOD, #51, ANYONE?” "Wow! Venezuela defeated Italy tonight, 4-2, in the WBC (Baseball!) Semifinal," wrote Trump, “Good things are happening to Venezuela lately! I wonder what this magic is all about?” The remark follows the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, after Operation Absolute Resolve, in Venezuela, in the early hours of January 3, 2026. Maduro was then paraded through the city of New York before being placed on trial. The first hearing of the trial was on January 5, 2026, for Nacro terrorism charges. Both Maduro and Flores pleaded “not guilty”. Originally set for March 17, the second hearing was rescheduled to March 26. He is being represented by Barry Pollack, who also represented the journalist and whistleblower Julian Assange. Also Read: No talks with Trump on Iran attack, say Clinton, Obama, Bush and Biden

Donald Trump suggested Venezuela could become the 51st US state after its WBC win, amid ongoing US intervention and Nicolas Maduro’s trial.

‘Statehood #51?’: Trump’s sneaky Venezuela remark after WBC victory

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Search and Rescue Operations Underway After Deadly Earthquake Hits Venezuela

From Venezuela to Japan, 4 Major Earthquakes in Just 4 Hours, What's Happening

Venezuela Earthquake Terrifying Footage | Buildings Collapse Like a Pack of Cards on Camera

Venezuela Faces Its Deadliest Quake In Years

Venezuela Earthquake: Twin Quake Strikes Caracas, Buildings Collapse, Residents Flee In Panic

Venezuela Earthquake: Venezuela Declares Emergency, High Death Toll Feared

Venezuela Earthquake: At Least 32 Killed, 700 Injured in the Deadly Earthquake

Venezuela Earthquake: Rare 'Doublet' Quakes Strike, 7.5 Mainshock Follows 7.2 Foreshock

Venezuela Earthquake: 7.5 Magnitude Mainshock Preceded by 7.2 Magnitude Foreshock

Why Did Venezuela's President Visit An Indian Godman's Ashram?

India-Venezuela Relations In Focus After US Action Against Maduro

Venezuela's Interim Prez Delcy Rodriguez Forms Commission For Govt Overhaul

Venezuela Opposition Leader Holds a Massive Rally in Panama

US Southern Command Oversees Drill in Venezuelan Capital

US Southern Command Oversees Drill in Venezuelan Capital

Trump says he is considering Venezuela as 51st US state, Delcy rejects

Venezuela: Delcy Rodriguez Announces Trip to ICJ to Raise Essequibo Dispute

Trump Announces US Sanctions On Cuban Government; Targets Key Sectors

US President Justifies US Control Over Venezuela

Colombian President First to Visit Venezuela After Maduro's Ouster

Venezuela's Opposition Leader Demands Fresh Presidential Elections

US Eases Sanctions On Venezuela Central Bank

US Eases Sanctions On Venezuela Central Bank | US Opens Venezuela Financial System

Venezuela Protests: Caracas Boils Over As Workers Clash With Police Over Frozen Wages

Trump: US Forces Could Take Iran's Kharg Island Very Soon; Floats Seizing Iran Oil Exports

US: Nicolas Maduro, Wife Cilia Flores Battle US Sanctions in Court