Venezuela earthquake update: Death toll nears 1,500, aftershock rattles Caracas, search for survivors continues

Published 29 June 2026 · general

Venezuela's earthquake death toll climbed to nearly 1,500 on Monday (June 29) as rescue workers raced against time to find survivors beneath collapsed buildings, even

Venezuela's earthquake death toll climbed to nearly 1,500 on Monday (June 29) as rescue workers raced against time to find survivors beneath collapsed buildings, even as a fresh 4.6-magnitude aftershock shook the capital Caracas and surrounding areas. The aftershock, which struck north of Caracas at a depth of 10 km, caused panic among residents but no immediate damage was reported, according to the country's Assembly. The twin 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that struck Venezuela's Caribbean coast last Wednesday have devastated the northern state of La Guaira, flattening hundreds of buildings and triggering one of the country's deadliest natural disasters in decades. Search for survivors continues Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What caused the recent earthquakes in Venezuela? ⌵ The recent earthquakes in Venezuela were caused by tectonic activity in the region, resulting in twin quakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes. They devastated the northern state of La Guaira. 2 How many buildings were affected by the Venezuela earthquakes? ⌵ Authorities reported that 774 buildings have been damaged or completely destroyed due to the earthquakes, with significant structural devastation observed across La Guaira. 3 Why is the search for survivors in Venezuela challenging?

⌵ The search for survivors in Venezuela is challenging due to the critical loss of the initial 72-hour rescue window, persistent aftershocks, and a shortage of heavy machinery and manpower. 4 What role is international aid playing in the Venezuela earthquake recovery? ⌵ International aid has been crucial in the recovery efforts, with 24 countries providing relief supplies, rescue personnel, and support services, significantly boosting the local response to the disaster. 5 How have rescue operations changed as time has passed after the earthquakes? ⌵ As time has passed, rescue operations have shifted from actively searching for survivors to more recoveries as hopes diminish beyond the critical initial days, given the continued aftershocks and challenging conditions. Rescue operations entered their fifth day, with emergency teams continuing around-the-clock efforts despite diminishing hopes of finding survivors after the critical 72-hour rescue window. Families of the missing remained at disaster sites as local and international rescuers searched through the rubble. One of the most remarkable rescues came when 21-year-old Aaron Levi Cantillo was pulled alive from the debris after spending 106 hours trapped beneath a collapsed building. Venezuelan authorities said the rescue operation itself lasted 43 hours and involved teams from Venezuela, Mexico and El Salvador.