CARACAS (Realist English). For the third day, Venezuelan rescue services and international teams are clearing rubble after two of the most powerful earthquakes in the country’s history struck the northern part of the country on the evening of June 24.
According to the latest official figures, the death toll has reached 920, with more than 3,360 injured and over 50,000 listed as missing. At least 172 people remain trapped under the debris of collapsed buildings.
Worst‑Hit Areas
La Guaira state, north of Caracas, has been the worst‑affected territory. Hundreds of buildings, including multi‑storey hotels and residential complexes, have been destroyed or damaged. In the Chacao municipality (Greater Caracas) alone, 11 deaths have been confirmed following the collapse of three buildings.
In total, according to authorities, 383 buildings have been damaged, including 13 hospitals and 25 shopping centres; a further 1,002 facilities have suffered varying degrees of damage. Simón Bolívar International Airport, which serves Caracas, has been closed due to structural damage.
In Miranda state, schools will remain closed until at least June 29 pending damage assessments. Electricity remains unavailable in several areas of the state.
Rescue Operation: The ‘Golden Window’ Is Closing
Rescue efforts are hampered by destroyed roads, communication failures and a shortage of resources. In La Guaira, local residents are clearing rubble by themselves in search of loved ones, using only their bare hands and flashlights in areas without electricity.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez stated: “We are going to rescue the people who are trapped. We are working tirelessly on this task.” She also urged citizens not to travel to La Guaira state so as not to hinder rescue operations during the most critical period.
As of June 26, 871 foreign rescuers are involved in the operations. In total, 30 international search‑and‑rescue teams with more than 1,600 personnel and 100 dogs have been deployed to Venezuela.
Venezuela in Crisis: Vulnerability Before the Disaster
The catastrophe struck at a time of deep political and economic crisis. Venezuela, already suffering from a severe humanitarian crisis, now faces an unprecedented blow from the natural disaster.
As Norwegian Refugee Council Secretary‑General Jan Egeland noted, Venezuela was poorly prepared for the emergency due to “crumbling infrastructure” after decades of underfunding.
According to the UN, 3.9 million children live in the earthquake‑affected areas.
Economic losses from the earthquakes are estimated at approximately $6.7 billion. As reinsurance broker Guy Carpenter notes, the gap between economic losses and insured losses could be “very significant.”