Venezuela Twin Earthquakes: Death Toll Surpasses 1,700
Poinews.com – Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, devastated Venezuela’s coastal area on June 24, 2026. As of Sunday, the official report confirmed that over 1,700 people had perished, with additional casualties expected as search operations continue. The tremors, which lasted nearly three minutes, caused widespread damage, particularly in the northern state of La Guaira, where the heaviest losses occurred.
Government Response and Casualty Figures
Venezuela’s leaders declared a disaster zone in La Guaira and deployed military forces to manage the crisis. According to the latest update, 5,034 individuals were injured, while 15,866 were displaced. Another 22,619 are receiving medical attention in local health facilities. The most alarming projection comes from the United Nations, which suggests as many as 68,000 people could still be missing.
“Electricity has been restored to 90% of the most affected regions in La Guaira,” stated Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly, during a press briefing. He emphasized efforts to assess damaged structures and establish 15 temporary shelters for displaced residents.
Rescue teams from El Salvador, Mexico, and Venezuela worked together in Catia La Mar on Monday to free a 21-year-old man buried under debris. Despite these efforts, the window for finding survivors is shrinking, with more heavy machinery now arriving to aid in the search. The initial shocks, occurring just 39 seconds apart, struck between San Felipe and Yumare, triggering a sequence of aftershocks that persist in the region.
International Support and Criticism
The U.S. has sent aircraft, ships, and helicopters to assist with relief operations, while the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) announced a $200 million fund for rebuilding. Critics, however, argue that the government’s response has been sluggish, prompting officials to stress their progress in recovery efforts.
Displaced residents in La Guaira were provided with food and supplies by police and military personnel. Meanwhile, opposition leader María Corina Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, hinted at her plans to return to the country to support those impacted by the disaster.
