Two powerful earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela on June 24, marking the worst disaster of its kind in the country in more than 125 years. The quakes, which occurred just minutes apart, devastated areas in and around the capital Caracas, with the coastal region of La Guaira being the most affected. A United Nations body estimates that nearly two million buildings were affected, causing 6.7 billion dollars in direct damage.
The death toll has risen steadily, with reports reaching at least 920 dead and over 3,000 injured. Massive search-and-rescue operations are underway as crews race against time to find survivors trapped beneath mountains of rubble. While the official count continues to climb, a website created to track missing persons lists over 50,000 people unaccounted for, and US Geological Survey models suggest total deaths could eventually exceed 10,000. In northern cities, neighbors have worked together to dig for loved ones, and soccer fields have become makeshift camps for displaced families.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez and Health Minister Carlos Alvarado have overseen the emergency response, though residents have expressed anger and frustration over a perceived lack of government action and limited resources. International aid is arriving from across the Americas, including support from Mexico and the United States. The US is providing military planes for logistical aid, and the treasury department has issued a license authorizing relief transactions that would have otherwise been banned under sanctions.
Recovery efforts are being hampered by a shattered economy and a struggling health system. The region remains unstable, with another earthquake striking off the northern coast on Friday afternoon. Despite the widespread devastation, officials reported that oil production was not affected and remained at 1.2 million barrels per day. This international support follows a period of political instability, coming six months after US forces captured President Nicolas Maduro.