Live: Death toll to rise with tens of thousands missing after massive Venezuela quakes

Friday, 26 June 2026

• Venezuela has been rocked by back-to back major earthquakes near the Caribbean coast - a magnitude 7.2 followed by a magnitude 7.5 quake less than a minute later. An NZ seismologist said it could have been a complex rupture.

• The quakes, which struck shortly after 6pm local time, could be felt in several states. Homes and buildings collapsed in the capital Caracas.

• The USGS estimated a likelihood of over 10,000 deaths, while US President Donald Trump said there was “a devastating number” of fatalities.

• You can follow our live coverage below.

• Are you there? Do you have photos or video? Contact us at newstips@stuff.co.nz