Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 2,645 as recovery efforts intensify

The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 2,645, according to the latest official figures released by the government, as rescue efforts continue to transition into a large-scale recovery operation.

Authorities said more than 12,000 people have been injured, while an estimated 15,000 residents have been displaced by the disaster, which caused widespread destruction across Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira.

The disaster was triggered by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, which struck just 39 seconds apart along the San Sebastián fault system. The back-to-back tremors flattened homes, damaged roads and public infrastructure, and generated hundreds of aftershocks, making them the strongest earthquakes to hit Venezuela in more than a century.

La Guaira remains the worst-affected area, with communities such as Catia La Mar and Caraballeda suffering extensive structural damage. Residential buildings, schools and commercial properties collapsed, leaving thousands trapped beneath the rubble in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

The Venezuelan government said thousands of emergency personnel have been deployed alongside international search-and-rescue teams to assist victims and clear debris. While rescuers have continued to recover survivors from collapsed buildings, officials acknowledged that operations are increasingly shifting from rescue missions to recovery efforts as hopes of finding more people alive diminish.

The humanitarian crisis has placed enormous pressure on emergency services. Thousands of displaced residents are currently living in temporary shelters, parks and public spaces, relying on humanitarian assistance for food, clean water and medical care. Aid agencies have also warned of growing public health concerns as relief operations continue.

The government’s handling of the disaster has drawn criticism from some residents and aid organisations, who argue that emergency assistance and heavy rescue equipment were slow to reach the hardest-hit communities. Venezuelan authorities have defended their response, saying emergency protocols were activated immediately and that recovery efforts remain ongoing with support from international partners.