Venezuela death toll rises to 164 as twin earthquakes trigger state of emergency
International aid pledged by US, China, EU and Germany as UN urges unblocking of communications networks
Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes struck Venezuela within a minute of each other on 24 June 2026, causing widespread structural damage and building collapses in and around Caracas and the La Guaira state. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has declared a state of emergency and designated La Guaira as a disaster zone. The confirmed death toll has risen to at least 164, with 971 people injured, though officials warn the figures may increase as rescue teams access the hardest-hit areas.
The tremors, described by the US Geological Survey as the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a century, disrupted transport and utilities, including the closure of Simon Bolivar International Airport and interruptions to subway and natural gas services. Rodriguez reported that school classes would be cancelled for several days, with some school buildings repurposed as shelters and donation centres.
International aid offers have been pledged by the United States, China, the European Union, Germany, and Spain. The United States, under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, announced the immediate deployment of search and rescue teams and medical resources. Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated that six A400M military transport aircraft are ready for deployment upon request.
UN experts have urged Venezuelan authorities to immediately unblock access to social media and news outlets to facilitate relief efforts. The United Nations's Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela stated that for a country already facing enormous challenges, this is a devastating blow and called for human rights to guide the national and international response.
The French Embassy in Caracas suffered material damage during the earthquakes, though all staff are reported safe. Approximately 2,000 French nationals are registered in the country. The initial reports from Acting President Rodriguez indicated a lower toll of 32 deaths and 700 injuries, with a warning that figures would rise as rescue teams accessed collapsed areas.
