Death Toll From Venezuela Earthquakes Rises To 164 As Rescue Efforts Intensify
News Updated: 25 June 2026 15:25 EAT
Photo courtesy: Buildings damaged after powerful earthquake hits Venezuela, shakes Caracas
The death toll from the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 164 after authorities confirmed an additional 132 fatalities, interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced on Thursday. The disaster has also left at least 971 people injured, while emergency crews continue searching through collapsed buildings and debris in several affected regions.
The twin earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck within less than a minute of each other on June 24, sending shockwaves across large parts of the country. Seismologists said the powerful tremors were among the strongest recorded in Venezuela in more than a century, causing widespread destruction and triggering panic among residents.
The worst-hit areas include the coastal state of La Guaira and parts of the capital, Caracas, where numerous residential and commercial buildings suffered severe structural damage. Rescue teams have been working around the clock to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.
Speaking during a national emergency briefing, Rodríguez described the situation in La Guaira as catastrophic and warned that the death toll could continue to rise as authorities gain access to isolated communities and complete damage assessments.
Emergency responders, including firefighters, military personnel and civil protection units, have been deployed across affected regions. Heavy machinery has been brought in to clear rubble while medical teams continue treating hundreds of injured residents in overwhelmed hospitals and temporary field clinics.
The earthquakes also caused major disruptions to transport and public infrastructure. Simón Bolívar International Airport sustained significant damage, forcing authorities to suspend operations, while metro and rail services in Caracas were halted pending safety inspections.
Thousands of residents spent the night outdoors as fears of aftershocks persisted. Authorities urged people to avoid damaged buildings and follow evacuation orders where necessary, citing concerns over additional structural collapses.
The United States Geological Survey reported that the first quake was followed just 39 seconds later by a stronger second tremor, dramatically increasing the destructive impact. Multiple aftershocks have since been recorded, complicating rescue operations and raising safety concerns for emergency workers.
Schools, community centres and sports facilities have been converted into temporary shelters for displaced families. Government agencies are distributing food, water, blankets and medical supplies to communities affected by the disaster.
International support has begun arriving, with several Latin American countries, humanitarian organisations and foreign governments offering rescue teams, medical personnel and emergency aid. Venezuelan authorities welcomed the assistance as they struggle to respond to the scale of the crisis.
Economic losses are expected to be substantial, with damage reported to roads, bridges, public buildings and private property. Officials have yet to release a comprehensive estimate of the financial impact, but preliminary assessments indicate billions of dollars in destruction.
As search-and-rescue efforts continue, authorities remain focused on locating survivors and restoring essential services. Emergency teams are racing against time in the hope of finding more people alive beneath the rubble, while families across the country await news of missing relatives.
The Venezuelan government has declared a nationwide state of emergency and pledged to mobilise all available resources for relief and recovery operations as the country confronts one of the deadliest natural disasters in its recent history.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD