Another earthquake of 4.9 magnitude rocks Venezuela, death toll crosses 900; search ops underway | Top updates

Published 27 June 2026 · politics

Roughly two days after Venezuela was rocked by twin powerful earthquakes that left more than 900 people dead, another earthquake struck off the country's northern

Roughly two days after Venezuela was rocked by twin powerful earthquakes that left more than 900 people dead, another earthquake struck off the country's northern coast on Friday afternoon (local time). Reuters reported that witnesses in Caracas and Maracay felt the quake, which the earthquake monitor EMSC said had a magnitude of 4.9. The third earthquake comes at a time when Venezuela was already reeling under twin powerful earthquakes that rocked the country on Wednesday, killing at least 920 and injuring another 3,360, according to officials, who believe the death toll could be higher. News agency AP reported that thousands are still missing. Here's what we know about the search and rescue operation Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What was the magnitude of the recent earthquake that struck Venezuela?

⌵ The recent earthquake that struck off the northern coast of Venezuela had a magnitude of 4.9. 2 Why are Venezuelans searching for missing loved ones after the earthquakes? ⌵ Venezuelans are searching for missing loved ones due to a lack of government-led rescue efforts, with officials estimating over 51,000 people still unaccounted for. 3 How are international teams assisting with rescue operations in Venezuela? ⌵ International teams, including 861 volunteers from various countries and 25 search-and-rescue teams from the UN, are assisting in rescue operations by deploying specialized equipment and personnel to locate survivors. 4 Should families use social media to locate missing relatives after the Venezuelan earthquakes? ⌵ Yes, many families are using social media and specific websites to search for missing loved ones by posting images and last known locations, as traditional communication methods are down.

5 What challenges are emergency responders facing in Venezuela after the earthquakes? ⌵ Emergency responders in Venezuela are facing challenges due to the country's crumbling emergency-response system, including years of mismanagement and insufficient resources to effectively respond to the disaster. 1. On Friday, Venezuelans took the search for missing loved ones into their own hands in the aftermath of twin powerful earthquakes, and cited the lack of government rescuers as officials believed that over 51,000 were still missing. Citizens digging through the rubble of their homes to look for their loved ones said they have seen few state rescue teams in the areas that were hit hardest by the devastating 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes, despite authorities projecting an image of a robust government response. 2. According to the International Organization for Migration, up to 6.76 million people in Venezuela could be impacted by the quakes, with roughly two million of them in the capital alone.