Twin Major Earthquakes Devastate Venezuela, Hundreds Dead and Injured
On June 24-25, 2026, two powerful earthquakes (magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5) struck near Morón, Venezuela, causing catastrophic damage. At least 32 deaths and over 700 injuries were reported, though estimates suggest up to 100,000 fatalities may be unreached in hard-hit La Guaira, declared a disaster zone. Buildings collapsed in Caracas, the main airport closed, tsunami alerts were issued, and multiple countries (Germany, Spain, US) pledged aid. Rescue teams continue searching for survivors amid dozens of aftershocks.
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Venezuela earthquake death toll exceeds 5,000 as IMF releases funds
Twin earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, killing 5,069 people, mostly in the coastal state of La Guaira. National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez reported the death toll on Telegram, with 16,740 injured, most already discharged. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced that Venezuela accessed $346 million from the IMF for reconstruction. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva confirmed the release from Venezuela's reserve tranche for urgent humanitarian needs. The earthquakes left 20,000 people homeless in overcrowded camps lacking water and sanitation. The IMF and World Bank resumed relations with Venezuela in April 2026 after the US overthrew President Maduro in a military incursion in January, ending a freeze since 2019.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Earthquake in Venezuela: Death Toll Rises to Over 4,400
Two and a half weeks after a devastating double earthquake struck Venezuela on June 24, the Venezuelan government has announced that the death toll has risen to 4,490. The earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurred just 39 seconds apart. According to government figures, 16,740 people were injured. The hardest-hit area is the state of La Guaira, north of the capital Caracas, where over 19,000 people are now living in makeshift camps. The government has not provided an official number of missing persons, but United Nations estimates suggest as many as 50,000 people could be missing, while other estimates place the figure closer to 10,000. Authorities fear the death toll will rise significantly as search and rescue efforts continue.
taz.de - taz.deVenezuela's Earthquakes Deepen Century's Biggest Economic Crisis
On June 24, 2026, Venezuela experienced a devastating doublet earthquake, with two powerful quakes striking less than a minute apart near Caracas. As of July 8, the death toll reached 3,811 with 16,740 injured, and USGS modeling suggests a 44% probability of casualties exceeding 10,000. Approximately 69,400 buildings were damaged or destroyed, with La Guaira suffering the worst. The UN estimates direct physical damage at $37 billion, not including economic disruptions. The disaster compounds Venezuela's pre-existing economic collapse under Chávez and Maduro, which saw GDP per capita plummet and infrastructure deteriorate severely. The country's capital stock in 2023 was nearly the same as in 1999, while the regional average grew by over 50%. This has left critical infrastructure, including electrical grids, water systems, and buildings, highly vulnerable, making post-earthquake recovery exceptionally costly and complex.
Atlantic CouncilVenezuela’s Earthquakes Deepen This Century’s Biggest Economic Crisis
On June 24, 2026, Venezuela was struck by a destructive doublet earthquake—two powerful quakes less than a minute apart, epicenters near Caracas. As of July 8, the death toll reached 3,811 with 16,740 injured, and USGS modeling indicates a 44% probability of casualties exceeding 10,000. La Guaira, home to Venezuela's main port and airport, suffered the worst damage, with entire blocks leveled. NASA satellite radar estimates approximately 69,400 buildings damaged or destroyed. The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction preliminarily estimates direct physical damage at $37 billion, excluding economic disruptions and reconstruction costs. The disaster compounds Venezuela's pre-existing economic collapse under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, which had already gutted infrastructure, capital stock, and industrial production. The value of Venezuela's capital stock in 2023 was nearly the same as in 1999, while regional averages grew over 50%. Production of construction materials like cement, iron, and steel stands at historic lows, worsening the country's vulnerability and recovery prospects.
Atlantic CouncilVenezuela's Earthquakes Deepen Century's Worst Economic Crisis
On June 24, 2026, Venezuela was struck by a devastating earthquake doublet near Caracas, killing at least 3,811 people and injuring 16,740, with casualties expected to rise. The quakes caused an estimated $37 billion in direct physical damage, according to the UN. The disaster compounds a pre-existing economic collapse under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, which had already reduced Venezuela's GDP per capita to regional lows and severely deteriorated infrastructure, including power grids, water systems, and buildings. The article highlights that Venezuela's physical capital stock in 2023 was nearly the same as in 1999, while the rest of the region grew by over 50%. The combination of chronic underinvestment and the earthquake's destruction makes recovery especially costly and urgent.
Atlantic CouncilVenezuela earthquake death toll reaches 2,595 after strongest tremors in a century
The death toll from twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 25, 2026, has risen to 2,595, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced on July 3. More than 12,000 people were injured, and unofficial estimates suggest 38,500 remain missing. A magnitude 7.2 quake was followed by a 7.5 mainshock, the strongest in Venezuela since 1900, flattening buildings across Caracas and La Guaira. The UN estimated direct physical damage at $6.7 billion (6% of GDP), while risk modeler Verisk projected total economic losses exceeding $10 billion. The U.S. mounted one of its largest disaster responses in years, deploying over 900 personnel and pledging $150 million in humanitarian aid. Nearly 800 buildings collapsed, including 189 completely destroyed, and Simón Bolívar International Airport was severely damaged. The government rejected criticism of a slow response, stating emergency protocols were activated within hours.
US Top News and AnalysisVenezuela earthquake death toll rises to 2,595 after strongest tremors in a century
The death toll from twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 25, 2026, has risen to 2,595, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced on July 3. The quakes, a magnitude 7.2 followed by a 7.5 mainshock, were the strongest to hit the country since 1900. Over 12,000 people were injured, and unofficial lists suggest 38,500 remain missing. The disaster flattened nearly 800 buildings in Caracas and La Guaira, severely damaging Simón Bolívar International Airport. The United Nations Development Programme estimated direct physical damage at $6.7 billion (6% of GDP), while Verisk projected total economic losses exceeding $10 billion. The U.S. mounted one of its largest disaster responses in years, deploying over 900 personnel and pledging $150 million in humanitarian aid. International support under UN coordination includes Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Cuba, and Switzerland. The government rejected criticism of a slow response, stating emergency protocols were activated within hours.
US Top News and AnalysisVenezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 2,595 as Damage Estimates Increase After Strongest Tremors in a Century
The death toll from twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 2,595, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced on July 3, 2026. Rescue operations continue more than a week after a magnitude 7.2 quake was followed by a 7.5 mainshock, the strongest tremors to hit the country since 1900. The quakes flattened buildings across Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira, where nearly all local officials were killed. The United Nations Development Programme estimates direct physical damage at $6.7 billion (6% of GDP), while risk modeler Verisk projects total economic losses exceeding $10 billion. The U.S. has deployed over 900 personnel for search-and-rescue operations, one of its largest disaster responses in years, and pledged $150 million in humanitarian aid. More than 12,000 people were injured, and an unofficial online list suggests 38,500 remain unaccounted for. The government rejected criticism of a slow response, saying emergency protocols were activated within hours.
US Top News and AnalysisVenezuela Struck by Two Major Earthquakes; Death Toll Rises
On June 25-26, 2024, Venezuela was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake followed by a 7.5 magnitude aftershock, causing widespread destruction. The USGS estimated a 44% chance of over 10,000 fatalities and a 30% chance of over 100,000. Initial reports from NYT cited at least 32 killed and 700 injured. By June 27, the death toll had risen to 1,500 with over 10,000 missing, according to CNN. Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez confirmed 164 deaths initially, later rising to 589 confirmed fatalities and 2,980 injuries. The earthquakes struck about 160 km west of Caracas during a public holiday, causing severe damage including collapsed high-rise buildings. The country's existing financial and political crises compounded the tragedy.
RedCafe.netVenezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 2,295 Amid Criticism of Government Response
The official death toll from two earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24th has risen to 2,295, with expectations of further increases as more bodies are recovered from collapsed buildings. Over 11,000 people have been injured, and some hospitals have been damaged, straining the country's health system according to the World Health Organisation. An American general confirmed that 900 military personnel are assisting search-and-rescue operations. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez described the earthquakes as Venezuela's 'most brutal natural catastrophe' ever. However, anger is mounting among Venezuelans over the government's response, with many residents accusing the socialist state of providing insufficient help.
Latest UpdatesVenezuela Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 2,295; Tens of Thousands Still Missing
Following two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 that struck Venezuela on June 24, the official death toll has risen to at least 2,295, with 11,267 injured, according to the government. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared seven days of national mourning. The non-governmental website venezuelareporta reports over 41,000 people still missing, with fewer than 6,000 located. Rescue teams continue to find survivors, including a toddler and a 43-year-old man pulled from rubble in Catia La Mar. Aid organizations warn of a worsening medical crisis as thousands of displaced people sleep in overcrowded shelters or outdoors without clean water, raising fears that untreated injuries and infectious diseases could claim more lives in the coming days.
taz.de - taz.deLive updates: Venezuela earthquake aftershocks reignite fears as survivors seek answers
A series of earthquakes and aftershocks in Venezuela have caused widespread destruction and casualties, with survivors expressing frustration over slow government aid. Key themes from multiple reports include: the true death toll remains unclear due to lack of official transparency; U.S. quake-relief efforts have collided with anger directed at the Venezuelan government; and many Venezuelans have resorted to rescuing themselves with little official help. Aftershocks continue to reignite fears among the population. Reports from CNN, WSJ, Washington Post, NYT, and Reuters highlight the severe humanitarian situation and the political dynamics complicating relief efforts.
Top stories - Google NewsVenezuela Hit by Devastating 7.2 and 7.5 Magnitude Earthquakes
A series of powerful earthquakes, including a magnitude 7.2 and a 7.5 aftershock, struck approximately 160 kilometers west of Caracas, Venezuela, on June 25-26, 2024. The quakes caused severe destruction, with early reports indicating widespread building collapses, landslides, and liquefaction. Initial fatality estimates varied widely, with USGS modeling predicting a 30% chance of over 100,000 deaths. By June 27, Venezuelan officials reported a death toll of 1,500, with more than 10,000 missing and over 50,000 people listed on a government-run missing persons website. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed earlier tolls of 589 fatalities and 2,980 injured. Forum participants noted the country's existing financial and political crises as compounding the tragedy.
RedCafe.netVenezuela Earthquake: Death Toll Rises to 1,450 as US Leads Aid Response
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Venezuela's coast on Saturday, adding to the devastation from earlier major quakes. The death toll has risen to 1,450, with 3,150 injured, 12,721 displaced, and 774 buildings collapsed, according to National Assembly leader Jorge Rodríguez. Rescue teams continue searching for survivors in La Guaira, where nearly 50,000 people remain unaccounted for. UNICEF reports that 1.8 million people, including 680,000 children, need humanitarian aid. The United States is leading relief coordination, deploying nearly 250 civilian rescuers and positioning the USS Fort Lauderdale for logistics and medical support. US military repairs at Simón Bolívar International Airport have allowed it to reopen. Meanwhile, Venezuelan authorities restricted access to La Guaira after volunteer convoys clogged highways. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez faces accusations of politicizing relief efforts, as opposition volunteers report police interference with donation drives. US officials expressed frustration with exiled opposition leader María Corina Machado for seeking to return amid the disaster.
Just SecurityFPF Mourns Portuguese Community Deaths in Venezuela Earthquakes
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) expressed deep sorrow on Thursday for the victims of two major earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday, sending a message of support and courage to the large Portuguese community in the country. The earthquakes, of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, occurred about 200 kilometers from Caracas, followed by around 20 aftershocks, according to the USGS. At least 164 people were killed and over 900 injured, according to a provisional official count cited by acting President Delcy Rodríguez via the Associated Press. The La Guaira region, north of Caracas, saw dozens of buildings collapse or suffer severe damage. Venezuelan authorities declared a state of emergency. The FPF noted the Portuguese community in Venezuela is one of the largest in the diaspora worldwide, facing the tragedy with consternation and uncertainty. The death toll among Portuguese and Portuguese descendants rose to 51.
RecordAfter the Earthquakes in Venezuela: Voices from the Rubble
On June 24, 2026, northern Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, causing widespread destruction across Caracas, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and especially La Guaira. International search-and-rescue teams from 21 countries, including Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, Spain, the USA, and Germany, have been working for over 72 hours to find survivors under unstable rubble. However, official help was slow to arrive; the first helicopters reached the area only 72 hours after the quakes. In the critical initial hours, neighbors and survivors dug through debris with bare hands. More than 100 buildings have collapsed entirely, and trapped individuals used their last phone batteries to post live videos pleading for help. Residents report that despite international support, coordination remains insufficient and aid arrives too late in many communities.
taz.de - taz.deVenezuela Earthquake Death Toll Exceeds 1,400 as Baby Rescued from Rubble After 32 Hours
A series of devastating earthquakes in Venezuela has killed more than 1,400 people and injured over 3,200, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez. The quakes, which included magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck on Wednesday, followed by 430 aftershocks. The hardest-hit areas include the state of La Guaira and the capital Caracas, particularly the Chacao district, where entire high-rise blocks were leveled. International rescue teams from Mexico and other nations have accelerated search efforts, though Mexican teams ruled out finding survivors in a collapsed building in Chacao due to compressed concrete slabs. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez was booed during a visit to the affected area. In a moment of hope, a baby was rescued alive from rubble in La Guaira after 32 hours, passed by a human chain of rescue workers. Over 70,000 families have received assistance, but tens of thousands remain unaccounted for.
Nachrichten - WELTVenezuela Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 1,400; Baby Rescued from Rubble After 32 Hours
The devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, the strongest of which registered magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 on Wednesday, have resulted in over 1,400 deaths and more than 3,200 injuries, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez. The disaster has triggered 430 aftershocks and left tens of thousands of people unaccounted for, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira and the capital Caracas. International rescue teams have accelerated search efforts, with Mexican forces ruling out survivors in a collapsed building in the Chacao district due to fully compressed concrete slabs. In a rare moment of hope, a baby was rescued alive from rubble in La Guaira on Friday evening after 32 hours, with rescue workers forming a human chain to pass the infant to safety. More than 70,000 families have received aid, though the situation remains dire. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez faced boos and accusations of politicizing the tragedy during a visit to Chacao, an area devastated like in the 1967 earthquake that killed 250 people.
Nachrichten - WELTEarthquake in Venezuela: New Quake Strikes Northern Coast; Death Toll Reaches 920
A series of devastating earthquakes have struck Venezuela, with the death toll reaching at least 920 people and over 3,300 injured according to authorities. The initial double earthquake on Wednesday, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, was the strongest in Venezuela in over a century. A new 4.9 magnitude tremor shook the northern coast overnight into Saturday, felt in Caracas and Maracay. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has pledged $150 million in aid and sanctions relief, with Trump personally calling interim President Delcy Rodríguez to offer rescue teams and humanitarian support. Rodríguez took power after the US military captured former leader Nicolás Maduro in January. The disaster has hit the state of La Guaira hardest, where frustration over slow aid is growing and residents dig through rubble with bare hands. The UN estimates direct damage at $6.7 billion, affecting nearly 7 million people. Venezuela's vital oil production remains unaffected.
taz.de - taz.deNew Earthquake Shakes Venezuela as Death Toll Reaches 920
A new earthquake of magnitude 4.9 struck Venezuela's northern coast on the night of June 27, 2026, following a devastating double earthquake on June 24 that killed at least 920 people and injured over 3,300. The US, under President Donald Trump, has pledged $150 million in aid, sent rescue teams, and loosened sanctions. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who took over after Nicolás Maduro's capture by US forces in January, spoke with Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who assured support. The UN estimates direct damage at $6.7 billion. The hardest-hit area is La Guaira state, where residents dig through rubble with bare hands due to lack of equipment. Oil production remains unaffected. The disaster poses a political test for Rodríguez amid Venezuela's ongoing economic and political crises.
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