Earthquakes in Venezuela: Rescues continue, but time is limited for survivors

Venezuela is grappling with the aftermath of devastating earthquakes that struck on June 24, 2026, leaving a trail of destruction and a significant loss of life. One week after the twin tremors, search and rescue operations are still underway, though the window for finding survivors is narrowing. Official reports indicate a grim toll, with at least 2,295 fatalities and 11,267 individuals injured.

Despite the challenges, hope persists among rescue teams and officials. Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's acting president, expressed faith in finding more survivors while acknowledging the immense tragedy. She awarded international rescue delegations from Italy and Switzerland for their crucial support during the emergency response. Experts from 31 nations have participated in the rescue and humanitarian assistance efforts, highlighting the global solidarity in the face of this disaster.

The state of La Guaira has been particularly hard-hit, with international rescuers working for over 60 hours in a critical operation to save a person trapped in a collapsed building. This region has suffered immensely from the seismic activity. Rodríguez described the situation as one of Venezuela's worst natural tragedies in history.

International teams, including a Dutch contingent, are beginning to conclude their missions as the probability of finding more survivors decreases. According to the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (Undac) team, approximately 3,000 international rescuers have successfully saved 12 people. However, Undac member Sebastián Mocarquer cautioned that time is limited, and a transition phase will soon begin, with Venezuelan authorities taking over the recovery of bodies for technical, legal, and forensic reasons. The Venezuelan government reports that 6,461 people have been rescued so far, with ongoing efforts in the most affected areas.