Overview
- Two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on June 24, occurring 39 seconds apart and including a 7.5 magnitude shock the USGS called the strongest in the country since 1900.
- The interim government reported a provisional toll of 2,954 dead, 16,592 injured, more than 16,000 people homeless and 856 buildings damaged, with searches continuing in La Guaira and other hard-hit towns.
- Large international rescue teams had arrived but are progressively preparing to withdraw as the 72-hour survival window closes, though occasional late rescues have occurred.
- The UN warns the number of people missing could be far higher than official figures and the WHO says overwhelmed hospitals raise the risk of outbreaks such as measles, yellow fever or malaria.
- Maiquetía airport was damaged and has been partially reopened for humanitarian flights, but damaged transport links and weak infrastructure make getting aid, shelter and medical care to survivors harder and will shape the recovery.