Death toll in Venezuela twin quakes rises to 235 as rescuers search rubble for survivors

Mangalore Today News Network

Venezuela, Jun 26, 2026: The death toll in the twin earthquakes that hit Venezuela has risen to 235, with tens of thousands said to be unaccounted for, said the country’s health ministry on Thursday.

As authorities continued search and rescue operations in damaged buildings, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado announced that the death toll had been raised from 188, and over 1,500 had sustained injuries, according to the international news agency AFP. 

Twin Quakes Shake Venezuela

Within a span of a minute, two powerful earthquakes –– magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 –– jolted Venezuela on Wednesday, toppling buildings and causing heavy casualties across the country, especially the capital of Caracas and La Guaira.

The tremors were among the strongest earthquakes to hit the country in over a century. Offers of assistance were made by various governments, including the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Bolivia, Chile, Panama, and Ecuador.

The earthquakes shook the region surrounding Caracas, with buildings evacuated in cities as residents were seen rushing to take shelter in safer places. The Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas, the country’s main airport, was closed in view of the devastation.

The country’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez has announced a state of Emergency. Classes have been suspended for several days as the country’s Ministry of Education stated that some school buildings would be turned into shelters and donation centres.

Residents Search For Loved Ones

Heartbreaking scenes from the Venezuelan capital emerged in the aftermath of the disaster as residents desperately searched for loved ones believed to be trapped under rubble.

Another visual showed Caracas residents –– after being evacuated from homes –– sitting on a footpath with their beloved pets. A woman was seen offering water to her dog.

The Venezuelan government –– led by interim President Rodríguez –– has announced the formation of an initial USD 200 million reconstruction fund to finance repairs to infrastructure, hospitals, and houses.

The President said the fund, using resources from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will “allow us to rebuild infrastructure, hospitals, and build homes for those who lost theirs."

Officials have also announced setting up of additional fund to support victims of the disaster. Moreover, public and private banks will initiate special credit lines for those who lost businesses or jobs.