Venezuela Earthquakes Leave Thousands Homeless, Officials Differ on Death Toll
4 verified7 unconfirmed2 contested
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, leveling buildings and displacing large numbers of people along the country’s northern coast. The twin shocks, which occurred within less than a minute, devastated areas in the state of La Guaira and near the town of Yumare. Survivors have been sleeping outdoors or in tents at makeshift shelters, relying on donated food and clothing. Rescue operations have been underway, with international teams joining local efforts to search for survivors. The official death toll varies sharply between reports, with one figure exceeding 1,400 and another citing at least 164. A government official reported more than 12,000 people displaced and over 3,000 injured. Thousands of people remain unaccounted for, though the exact number is uncertain.
What’s verified
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026.
The earthquakes caused widespread building damage and left many people homeless.
Survivors are sheltering outdoors and in tents, dependent on donated supplies.
International rescue teams have arrived to assist in search and rescue operations.
Where accounts differ
The number of deaths is disputed: one source reports 1,450 dead, while another reports at least 164 dead.
The number of displaced persons is reported as 12,721 in one source, while another describes only “huge numbers” without a specific figure.
Not yet confirmed
The exact number of injured (reported as 3,150 by one source).
The number of people missing (reported as more than 46,000 on a missing persons website, but it is not known how many have since been found).
Details of specific rescues, including a father and son pulled alive after four days and an 11-year-old boy rescued with a scanner.
The precise number of international rescue teams (reported as 44 teams with 2,245 specialists and 140 dogs).
U.S. Geological Survey warnings about potential aftershocks.
The specific location of a makeshift shelter in Catia la Mar.
Criticism from residents regarding the government’s response.
Key figures
Delcy Rodríguez, interim president of Venezuela.
Jorge Rodríguez, president of the Venezuelan National Assembly.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Franck Audemard, structural geologist at Universidad Central de Venezuela.
