People look at a collapsed building in the Altamira neighbourhood following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026. Photo by FEDERICO PARRA / AFP
Death toll from the devastating earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela has risen to 235, while about 4,300 people have been injured as rescue efforts continue.
Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude hit within a minute on Wednesday night, leaving widespread destruction and forcing emergency teams to search through collapsed buildings for survivors.
In La Guaira, residents pleaded for help to rescue a trapped girl, saying, “We need people…, military personnel, to come and help so we can get her out,” but she later died before rescuers could reach her.
At another collapsed building, Antonio Bermudez said, “They’re still alive… There’s nothing more we can do. We don’t have any tools. We have no way to help.”
A doctor at Domingo Luciani Hospital said many children were being brought in alone after being pulled from the rubble, with some unable to identify themselves.
Venezuela has received rescue teams and emergency support from several countries, including Switzerland, Spain, France, Portugal, Mexico, the United States, China, India and Brazil.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “We have a whole-of-government response. It’ll be big, it’ll be fast, and it’ll be effective.”
The disaster, described by the United Nations as the strongest earthquake to hit Venezuela in 126 years, has also damaged the international airport in La Guaira, complicating relief operations.
