The Caribbean Area presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement of solidarity on June 25, 2026, following two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24. The leadership expressed deep sadness over the seismic events, which caused widespread uncertainty and concern for families throughout the nation.
Church leadership offers prayers
In a formal release, Elders Valeri V. Cordón, Hugo Montoya, and Ahmad S. Corbitt, who comprise the General Authority Seventies of the area presidency, offered prayers for those impacted by the disaster. The presidency expressed sincere support and love for the Venezuelan people, stating their hope that affected communities find strength and solace during the crisis.
"We pray that hope, unity and the spirit of service will prevail," the presidency wrote in its statement, adding that they stand with the nation as it faces this period of adversity.
Details of the seismic activity
The seismic activity began Wednesday evening with a 7.2-magnitude earthquake. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the first quake hit west of Moron on the Caribbean coast, approximately 105 miles west of Caracas, at a depth of about 14 miles. Just one minute later, a second, even more powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck with a depth of roughly 6 miles and an epicenter located 10 miles southwest of Moron.
Historical context and geographic impact
As reported by the Associated Press, these tremors represent the strongest earthquakes to strike the South American country in more than a century. The impact was felt across a massive geographic area, with shaking detected in surrounding countries as far as 1,050 miles away.
Casualties and infrastructure damage
The human cost of the disaster rose rapidly following the Wednesday night tremors. As of Thursday morning, the death toll had reached 164 people, with approximately 1,000 individuals injured and thousands more reported missing. The coastal region of La Guaira, located north of the capital city of Caracas, has experienced particularly heavy casualties and property damage.
Social media footage captured the devastation, showing toppled buildings, cracked streets, and residents searching through rubble for loved ones. Infrastructure failures were significant; the main airport in Caracas was forced to close after sustaining damage from the quakes.
Personal reflections on faith
Elder Pedro X. Larreal, a General Authority Seventy with family currently living in Venezuela, expressed his shock at the news via email to Church News. Drawing on religious scripture, he referenced Mosiah 2, specifically verses 13-16, which speak of the Lord visiting His people in their afflictions.
"I don’t have any doubt that our Heavenly Father through His Son, Jesus Christ, would bless our nation in this difficult time we are living in," Larreal said. He noted that the promises found in scripture—that the Lord will ease the burdens placed upon people's shoulders—provide comfort amidst the current trials.
Church presence in Venezuela
The earthquake struck a region with a significant Latter-day Saint presence. Venezuela is home to 179,000 members of the Church, organized into 33 stakes and 235 congregations. The faith has maintained a long-standing presence in the country, including the dedication of the Caracas Venezuela Temple by President Gordon B. Hinckley on August 20, 2000.
More recent developments for the region include an announcement made by Church President Russell M. Nelson during the April 7, 2024, general conference, where he revealed plans for a new temple in Maracaibo, Venezuela. The Church has also utilized direct communication to reach members in the nation, such as a videotaped devotional delivered by President Nelson and Elder D. Todd Christofferson on February 2, 2020.
As rescue efforts continue, the scale of the destruction remains a primary concern for local and international observers. The heavy damage in La Guaira and Caracas continues to complicate relief operations as workers navigate collapsed structures and displaced populations camping in public spaces.
