Venezuela's June Twin Quake Death Toll Rises Above 6,000, Thousands Still Missing
Venezuela's June Twin Quake Death Toll Rises Above 6,000, Thousands Still Missing Published By, Last Updated: August 04, 2026, 06:37 IST Rescue teams and families
Venezuela's June Twin Quake Death Toll Rises Above 6,000, Thousands Still Missing Published By, Last Updated: August 04, 2026, 06:37 IST Rescue teams and families continue to search through debris for victims and missing loved ones, with nearly 17,000 people reported injured after the tremors. Rescue teams and volunteers search for bodies amid the rubble of a collapsed building in Caraballeda, Venezuela. (AFP photo) More than a month after devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, the death toll from the twin quakes has risen to 6,125, the country’s Assembly Chief Jorge Rodriguez said on Monday. The updated figure comes after two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 hit the country on June 24, causing widespread destruction, especially in the coastal state of La Guaira. Nearly 200 buildings collapsed in the disaster, while the previous official death toll stood at 5,546.
Rescue teams and families continue to search through debris for victims and missing loved ones, with nearly 17,000 people reported injured after the tremors. Thousands displaced as recovery efforts continue Local media quoted La Guaira Governor Jose Alejandro Teran as saying around 1,400 people remain missing following the earthquakes. The government has not released an official figure for the number of missing people. Authorities said nearly 190 buildings were completely destroyed, while more than 16,200 structures were declared unsafe. The damage has forced thousands of residents to leave their homes, with nearly 24,000 people in La Guaira and Caracas currently living in temporary shelters. According to figures shared by Jorge Rodriguez, nearly 61,000 people received medical attention after the disaster, while about 16.5 per cent of the earthquake debris has been cleared.
The government has also moved to address the housing crisis caused by the disaster. Venezuelan lawmakers approved a law aimed at making it easier for displaced families to access rental housing. Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said the measure could benefit around 400,000 homes and described it as a solution that would support both tenants and property owners. She has also pledged to provide 4,000 homes to quake victims by the end of the year, with plans to increase the number to more than 10,000 in 2027. The government’s response has faced criticism, with some residents alleging delays in rescue operations and relief efforts. Officials, however, have defended their handling of the crisis. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.
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