Venezuela earthquake death toll tops 4,000

The devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 have claimed the lives of over 4,000 people, according to government figures released on Friday, July 10, 2026.

Parliament chief Jorge Rodriguez reported on Telegram that at least 4,118 individuals were killed and 16,740 injured. The powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake, the strongest in Venezuela in over a century, struck just 39 seconds after an initial 7.2 magnitude tremor. These quakes reduced entire neighborhoods in the coastal state of La Guaira to rubble, flattening high-rise apartment buildings.

Thousands of people are still listed as missing. While official rescue teams have ceased their search for survivors, family members continue to comb through the ruins, desperately hoping to find loved ones for a dignified burial.

Amidst the ongoing recovery, a 3.0 magnitude tremor in central Caracas on Friday caused momentary panic and led to the evacuation of buildings. The scale of the disaster presents a gargantuan challenge for Venezuela, a nation whose state services have been severely degraded by a prolonged economic crisis.

The United Nations issued an urgent appeal for nearly $300 million to support earthquake relief operations. Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, has called for the release of frozen assets held abroad to aid in the recovery. She specifically requested King Charles III to release approximately 30 tons of Venezuelan gold, which is currently frozen under UK sanctions.

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At least 4,118 people were killed and 16,740 injured in the back-to-back June 24 quakes, which flattened entire districts in the coastal state of La Guaira.