Caracas, June 27: The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela has climbed to 920, while thousands of rescue workers continue searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Authorities said 3,360 people have been injured, 172 remain trapped, and more than 50,000 people have been reported missing as one of the country’s worst natural disasters in more than a century unfolds.
The powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck within seconds of each other on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction in Caracas, La Guaira, and surrounding regions. Emergency officials fear the casualty count could rise further as rescue teams continue clearing debris.
Rescue Teams Race Against Time
Search-and-rescue operations entered their third day with local volunteers working alongside emergency responders and international rescue teams. Crews are using heavy machinery, rescue dogs, drones, and thermal imaging equipment to locate survivors beneath collapsed residential buildings.
Officials said hundreds of emergency personnel from several countries have joined the humanitarian effort, while medical teams continue treating injured residents in temporary field hospitals.
International Aid Begins to Arrive
Several countries have dispatched rescue teams, medical supplies, and humanitarian assistance to support Venezuela’s recovery efforts. International organisations are coordinating emergency relief, including food, drinking water, temporary shelters, and medical equipment for affected communities.
The United Nations has appealed for additional international support, estimating that the disaster has caused billions of dollars in damage to homes, hospitals, roads, and public infrastructure.
Aftershocks Hamper Relief Operations
Relief efforts have been complicated by repeated aftershocks, including a 4.9-magnitude tremor that struck on Friday. Rescue teams have been forced to temporarily suspend operations in some heavily damaged areas due to concerns over unstable buildings.
Authorities have urged residents to remain away from damaged structures while engineers continue structural safety inspections.
Thousands Left Homeless
The earthquakes have displaced thousands of families, many of whom are now staying in emergency shelters established by local authorities. Essential services, including electricity, water supply, and telecommunications, remain disrupted in several affected districts.
Government agencies are working to restore basic infrastructure while distributing food, clean drinking water, and emergency medical assistance to survivors.
Recovery Expected to Take Months
Officials acknowledged that rebuilding damaged communities will require significant national and international support. Damage assessments are continuing as authorities evaluate the condition of schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, and residential buildings.
Rescue operations remain the immediate priority as emergency workers continue searching for survivors and assisting families affected by one of the deadliest earthquakes in Venezuela’s modern history.
Source: Reuters
Original Report:
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/rescuers-comb-venezuelan-quake-rubble-thousands-reported-missing-2026-06-26/
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