GB News viewers watched regular programming come to an abrupt halt after breaking news emerged of two devastating earthquakes striking Venezuela within minutes of each other.
Presenter Beverly Turner interrupted the broadcast to bring viewers the latest developments, describing scenes of collapsed buildings in the capital, Caracas, as dramatic images from the disaster appeared on screen.
Visibly stunned by the footage, Turner reacted in real time before explaining that the United States Geological Survey had recorded two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.1 and 7.5 in magnitude, which struck in quick succession.
As rescue efforts intensified, acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed that at least 32 people had d!ed and around 700 others had been injured, according to local media reports. Officials warned the death toll could rise further as emergency crews continued searching through collapsed buildings for survivors.
Many residents reportedly joined rescue workers in digging through rubble after people were believed to have become trapped when structures gave way during the powerful tremors.
The unfolding disaster also prompted an international response.
US President Donald Trump issued a statement on Truth Social, describing the earthquakes as catastrophic and offering America’s support. He said federal agencies had been instructed to prepare immediate assistance, adding that the United States stood ready to help Venezuela following the devastating loss of life.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio later confirmed that search-and-rescue teams, medical supplies and humanitarian assistance were being mobilised, while Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said American officials were already in contact with Venezuelan authorities to coordinate support.
Scientists believe the earthquakes were triggered by activity along the boundary between the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates, where Venezuela sits within a highly active seismic zone.
According to the US Geological Survey, the larger quake resulted from shallow strike-slip faulting near the plate boundary. Experts also warned that the twin earthquakes likely reflected a complex rupture process and cautioned that strong aftershocks could still follow in the coming hours or days.
With rescue operations continuing across affected areas and fears that more victims remain buried beneath the debris, authorities are racing against time as the full scale of the disaster continues to emerge.
