Venezuela Earthquakes Devastate La Guaira

On June 24, 2026, Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes, magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, less than a minute apart, causing widespread devastation, particularly in the coastal state of Venezuela — La Guaira and the capital, Venezuela — Caracas. The death toll has risen to nearly 3,000, with over 12,600 injured and more than 16,000 left homeless. Tens of thousands remain missing. The earthquakes caused numerous buildings to collapse, including the Hotel Santuario where many Venezuelan deportees from the US tragically died. The country's already fragile healthcare system is overwhelmed, and aid organizations, including the United Nations and World Health Organization, warn of a looming medical crisis and disease outbreaks due to unsanitary conditions in crowded shelters. International rescue teams from over two dozen countries, including the US, Mexico, India, Canada, El Salvador, Chile, Portugal, Costa Rica, and Jordan, have been actively involved in search-and-rescue operations, leading to miraculous rescues like that of Hernán Alberto Gil Flores, who survived eight days under rubble, and several children. The United States has significantly increased its humanitarian aid, deploying military personnel and financial support, and assisting with infrastructure repairs. Economic losses are projected to exceed $10 billion, highlighting the severe impact on Venezuela's infrastructure and economy. The Venezuelan government, led by interim President Delcy Rodríguez, has faced criticism for its response but has declared national mourning and is coordinating relief efforts, including setting up temporary camps for the displaced.