What’s happening in Venezuela?: at least 3,500 have died after catastrophic double earthquakes
Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck north-central Venezuela on 24 June 2026. At least 3,500 people are reported to have died and hundreds of buildings have collapsed. The Venezuelan Red Cross is providing humanitarian support.
Last updated: 8 July 2026
Latest news
- At least 3,500 people are reported to have died.
- 44% likelihood of over 10,000 fatalities.
- More than 12,000 people injured.
- On 2 July, the Costa Rican Red Cross assisted in the rescue of a man from a collapsed building, eight days after the earthquakes.
- An estimated 9.7 million people affected with 500,000 in need of assistance.
- La Guaira state the epicentre of the most severe impact.
- Critical damage to infrastructure with over 700 buildings completely collapsed, over 200 with severe structural damage.
- Priority for national and international teams is search and rescue efforts.
What's happening in Venezuela?
On 24 June 2026, two strong earthquakes struck the north-central area of Venezuela, west of Caracas. The first earthquake measured 7.2 magnitude while the second, following just 39 seconds later, measured 7.5 magnitude. The epicentres of the earthquakes are reported to have been south-east of Yumare.
The earthquakes were felt across much of Venezuela, including the capital Caracas, which experienced prolonged shaking (60 seconds) causing widespread panic, evacuations and damage to buildings. La Guaira state is the most severely impacted and has been declared a disaster zone, with intensive rescue operations continuing over the weekend to look for survivors trapped in the rubble.
The overall humanitarian impact is still being assessed. 1,450 people are confirmed to have died, but the US Geological Society predict a 44% likelihood of over 10,000 fatalities. Official information on casualties, missing people and the full extent of infrastructure damage remain limited at this stage. Over 300 aftershocks have been felt in the affected areas impacting communities, emergency responders and already weakened structures.
Following the earthquakes, the national government of Venezuela declared a state of emergency. Search and rescue operations have begun. National authorities and response agencies continue assessing damage and needs.
Speaking to BBC News on Monday morning Alexander Pendry, Head of Emergencies, Logistics & Surge at the British Red Cross, said:
“[The International Federation of the Red Cross] estimates that almost 10 million people could have been affected by these earthquakes with around 500,000 of these needing urgent humanitarian assistance.
“And as we’ve seen, entire communities from La Guaira and parts of Caracas have had extensive damage with hundreds of buildings collapsed or unstable. What is really striking is how widespread the impact is. Essential services like water electricity gas and communications are still disrupted in many areas and large numbers of people remain displaced or are sleeping outside because it is not safe to return home.”
The current situation on the ground
Four days on from the earthquake, search and rescue operations remain the primary focus, with the current situation on the ground including:
- Search and rescue operations to find survivors in the most affected areas.
- Response efforts in La Guaira and Greater Caracas prioritised due to the extent of damage.
- La Guaira declared a disaster zone, alongside major impact in Caracas and surrounding states.
- Hospitals receiving injured people, with the baseball stadium in La Guaira set up to receive people.
- Damage to residential and commercial buildings, including reports of structural collapses in parts of Caracas and infrastructure damage in several affected areas.
- Power and telecommunications interruptions have been reported in some locations.
- Critical damage to essential social infrastructure, including airport facilities, hospitals and other public services, which remain intermittent or disrupted in some affected areas.
Speaking of the scale of the disaster and the challenges for teams on the ground, Alexander Pendry said:
“On the ground, operations are still very intense, and in many places very difficult. Search and rescue teams are working through collapsed structures, trackers in La Guaira often dealing with unstable buildings and ongoing aftershocks at the same time, you know, medical teams are treating large numbers of injuries.”
Venezuela earthquake: key facts
Date: 24 June 2026
- Magnitude: 7.2 and 7.5
- Epicentre: southeast of Yumare
- Death toll: 1,450+
- Injured: 3,000+
- People affected: 9.7 million
- Aftershocks: 300+
- Most affected area: La Guaira
How are the Red Cross helping people affected?
The Venezuelan Red Cross has been on the ground responding immediately to the earthquakes and is supporting with search and rescue response. They are closely monitoring the evolving situation and helping assess needs and priorities.
Actions include:
- supporting search and rescue
- providing emergency medical care through its hospital network
- setting up a field hospital in La Guaira, to help those affected there and alleviate the pressure on hospitals.
- deploying psychosocial support in hospitals
- supporting families to trace missing relatives
- assessing needs to inform scale-up
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake the VRCS:
- Activated its Emergency Operations Centre at National Headquarters level.
- Deployed ambulances in the Capital District to support emergency medical response and transport of injured people.
- Immediately mobilised search and rescue teams to support response efforts in areas affected by structural collapse and infrastructure damage.
- Prepared shelter facilities to support people who may require temporary refuge because of damage to homes or unsafe buildings.
The Venezuela Red Cross and the IFRC are taking part in coordination meetings convened by the Ministry of Disaster Risk Management, alongside other relief agencies present in the country, to support coordination of the response.
International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent Societies response
The IFRC have dispatched at least 17 tonnes of humanitarian supplies for 800 families from the regional office in Panama, including:
- kitchen sets
- hygiene kits
- mosquito nets
- other essential items
It is maintaining close communication with the Venezuelan Red Cross and other members of the Movement to monitor the situation, support information management and coordinate any additional action that may be required. Regional teams are working together to keep information moving and provide technical support and preparedness.
How to help people affected by the Venezuela earthquake
The best and quickest way to help support those affected by the Venezuela earthquakes is to donate to the DEC Venezuela Earthquake Appeal. The DEC, which stands for Disasters Emergency Committee, launches appeals during times of monumental suffering, as we are seeing in Venezuela now. DEC member charities, including the Red Cross, are on the ground responding now.
You can also join Race to Respond, our virtual 10K event raising money to help people caught up in the Venezuela earthquake. You can run, walk, swim, cycle or move in any way that suits you, anywhere in the country. Take part in a group or by yourself, knowing that others will be sharing the experience wherever they are.
Venezuela earthquake: the facts
Where is Venezuela?
Venezuela is a country on the northern coast of South America. It is bordered by Colombia, Brazil and Guyana. Venezuela has a population of around 30 million people. Its capital is Caracas and it is four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.
What caused the earthquakes?
Venezuela lies along the boundary between the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates. According to the USGS, the initial earthquake was caused by movement along a fault line where the tectonic plates meet, with the Caribbean plate slowly shifting eastward and creating pressure along northern Venezuela.
Why was this earthquake so bad?
The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth near the San Sebastián fault system along the country’s northern coast, making its impact more intense at the surface. It was also part of a rare “doublet” event, where two powerful earthquakes struck within seconds of each other.
Does Venezuela have a history of earthquakes?
Yes, due to its positioning Venezuela does have a history of large, damaging earthquakes. According to the USGS, there have only been seven magnitude six and larger earthquakes in the past century. The region experienced a doublet in September 2025 consisting of a magnitude 6.2 and magnitude 6.3 earthquake.
Is there a threat of a Tsunami?
There is not currently a threat of a tsunami.
Help people in Venezuela now
Donate to the DEC Venezuela Earthquake Appeal and help people affected by the catastrophic earthquakes in Venezuela today.
Donate to the DEC Venezuela Earthquake Appeal