Death toll from Venezuela earthquakes climbs to 1,450 as rescue operations continue
Five days after devastating 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, the death toll has risen to at least 1,450 people with over 68,900 reported missing. International rescue teams continue searching through rubble in La Guaira and Caracas as the critical 72-hour window for finding survivors passes.
Massive Death Toll from Twin Earthquakes
On June 24, 2026, two large earthquakes struck Venezuela, with the first measuring 7.2 magnitude occurring at 18:04 VET and followed 39 seconds later by a 7.5 magnitude mainshock. At least 1,430 people have been killed, more than 3,238 were injured, and over 68,900 were reported missing.
Rescue Efforts in Critical Phase
More than three days after the earthquakes and hundreds of aftershocks, rescue teams are racing against time, as the 72-hour period after a disaster is generally considered the 'golden window' for rescue, and the chance of finding survivors alive is now extremely slim. However, an 11-month-old baby was pulled from under the ruins of a building on Saturday, providing hope. A Contingency Response Element with 100 U.S. Air Force airmen arrived to help make repairs at Simón Bolívar International Airport, and 130 Marines will arrive at La Guaira to help reopen its port for aid delivery.
Infrastructure Damage and International Response
In La Guaira, one of the worst-affected areas, the earthquake destroyed more than 1,400 buildings, and the main airport serving the capital was heavily damaged. About 75% of electricity service has been restored in La Guaira state, water services are at 68%, and roadways are about 90% restored, all critical for rescue operations. Several foreigners were identified among the dead, including eight Chinese citizens, six Spanish citizens, four Italian-Venezuelans, two Brazilians, a Dominican national and a Chilean, while Portugal confirmed 28 Portuguese citizens or people with Portuguese background were dead or missing.
Long-term Concerns
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has announced a commission to assess the damage, as the disaster has compounded issues from years of economic and political strife, particularly for the overwhelmed healthcare system.