Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 2,595, strongest tremors in a century

People walk past a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas on June 25, 2026. Powerful twin earthquakes have killed 32 people and injured more than 700, the nation's interim president said on June 25, after the massive shocks collapsed entire buildings and sent people running in panic. — Manaure Quintero | AFP | Getty Images

Key Developments

• Death toll rises to 2,595, an increase of 300 from the previous day, as rescue operations continue more than a week after the quakes.
• The UN estimates direct physical damage at $6.7 billion, equivalent to approximately 6% of Venezuela's gross domestic product.
• The U.S. has deployed more than 900 personnel inside Venezuela as part of one of its largest disaster responses in years.

Casualties and Missing Persons

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the updated death toll on Friday during her first press conference since taking power in January, following the U.S. military operation that captured former President Nicolás Maduro.

Rodríguez confirmed that more than 12,000 people have been injured but did not specify how many remain missing. According to an unofficial and widely circulated online list, approximately 38,500 people are still unaccounted for, down from nearly 60,000 in the days immediately after the quakes.

The government has not concluded its search and rescue efforts, Rodríguez stated.

The Earthquakes

A magnitude 7.2 quake was followed seconds later by a 7.5 mainshock last Wednesday — the strongest tremors to hit Venezuela since 1900. The quakes:

• Flattened buildings across Caracas and La Guaira, the coastal state that was hardest hit
• Severely damaged Simón Bolívar International Airport, the main gateway to the capital
• Killed nearly all officials from La Guaira, according to Rodríguez

Structural Damage

Authorities report that nearly 800 buildings collapsed, including 189 that were completely destroyed. A preliminary satellite analysis released by NASA and Oregon State University researchers, updated on Monday, estimated that approximately 58,870 buildings were likely damaged or destroyed.

Economic Impact

| Source | Estimate | |--------|----------| | United Nations Development Programme | $6.7 billion in direct physical damage (≈6% of GDP) | | Risk modeler Verisk | Total economic losses exceeding $10 billion |

The government reported that the quakes caused only minor delays at oil terminals, with exports appearing largely steady in the aftermath. Authorities are also inspecting state-run PDVSA's Catia La Mar fuel terminal, located in one of the hardest-hit areas, for damage.

International Response

The United States has mounted one of its largest disaster responses in years, deploying:

• Four search-and-rescue teams with more than 900 personnel in Venezuela
• Approximately 800 additional personnel in Caribbean hubs Puerto Rico and Curaçao

The Trump administration has also pledged to mobilize $150 million in humanitarian aid.

The disaster has prompted support from countries across the world under UN coordination, including Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Cuba, and Switzerland.

Government Response

The Venezuelan government rejected criticisms that it reacted too slowly to the destruction. Rodríguez stated during the press conference that her government issued an emergency decree to activate civil protection and emergency protocols within hours of the tremors.

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