DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Disasters & Emergencies

UN Chief Extends Condolences as Venezuela Quake Death Toll Tops 188

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep sadness over the devastating twin earthquakes in Venezuela, which have claimed 188 lives and injured over 1,520.
  • UN agencies are mobilizing assistance and working with the Venezuelan government to support the response, including deploying urban search and rescue teams.
  • Preliminary estimates suggest the earthquakes could cause economic losses equivalent to 7% of Venezuela's GDP, necessitating significant reconstruction and potential foreign support.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres conveyed his deep sorrow regarding the loss of life and extensive damage caused by twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The devastating seismic event has resulted in a confirmed death toll of 188, with more than 1,520 individuals injured, according to Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez.

Guterres extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.

— Stephane DujarricUN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric conveyed Secretary-General António Guterres's message of sympathy following the earthquakes.

In response to the disaster, UN agencies in Venezuela, including the Humanitarian Country Team, are actively coordinating assistance efforts. They are working in close collaboration with the Venezuelan government and local partners to support the ongoing response operations. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is facilitating the deployment of specialized urban search and rescue teams to aid in the recovery process. Guterres has welcomed the offers of solidarity and support from UN member states during this critical period.

Economically, the impact of the earthquakes is projected to be severe. Preliminary estimates from the United States Geological Survey suggest that the quakes could lead to economic losses equivalent to as much as 7 percent of Venezuela's gross domestic product (GDP). This significant economic blow will likely necessitate substantial reconstruction efforts, potentially requiring considerable foreign aid from international financial institutions, regional actors, and countries like the United States.

Significant reconstruction will likely be necessary, and this will likely require foreign support, including from the US, regional actors, and international financial institutions.

— Rachel ZiembaEconomist Rachel Ziemba commented on the potential economic consequences and the need for international aid for Venezuela's reconstruction.

Economist Rachel Ziemba noted that the Venezuelan government appears to have acted swiftly by announcing a reconstruction fund, which may include support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The US is also sending resources to assess the damage and provide aid, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicating that a clearer understanding of the needs will emerge within the next 48 hours. The situation underscores the profound humanitarian and economic challenges Venezuela faces in the aftermath of this natural disaster.

The government appears to have moved quickly to announce a reconstruction fund with support from the IMF.

— Rachel ZiembaEconomist Rachel Ziemba highlighted the Venezuelan government's initiative to establish a reconstruction fund.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog