**Death Toll from Venezuela Earthquakes Climbs to 1,943**
*Published on 30/06/2026 - 23:22 GMT+2*
The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 1,943, as reported by local authorities. The earthquakes, which registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, caused extensive destruction across the region, leaving tens of thousands unaccounted for and in urgent need of assistance.
In addition to the fatalities, over 10,571 individuals have sustained injuries, and approximately 28,380 people are currently receiving medical care in hospitals and temporary shelters. Jorge Rodríguez, the president of Venezuela's National Assembly, shared these figures during a press briefing on Tuesday.
The earthquakes were followed by a significant aftershock that occurred on Friday, further exacerbating the situation as residents fled into the streets in fear. Emergency response teams have been working tirelessly to rescue those trapped beneath the rubble. The first 72 hours after such disasters are critical for successful rescues, and responders have been utilizing various methods to navigate the debris.
Efforts to locate survivors have seen a remarkable international response. Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, announced that 3,681 rescuers from 30 different countries have joined local teams in the search operations. The international community has also contributed significantly, providing over 1,000 tons of supplies, 27 vehicles, and 118 search dogs to aid in the rescue efforts.
As of Tuesday, the Venezuelan government reported that more than 6,450 people have been found alive, with an additional 13,500 individuals managing to escape on their own. However, the scale of the disaster has led to a humanitarian crisis, with UNICEF estimating that around 1.8 million people, including 680,000 children, require urgent humanitarian assistance.
The United Nations Development Programme has conducted a preliminary assessment of the damage, estimating the cost of direct physical damage caused by the earthquakes at approximately $6.7 billion. This figure reflects the extensive destruction of infrastructure, homes, and essential services in the affected areas.
As the situation continues to develop, the focus remains on rescue and recovery efforts, with local and international teams working around the clock to provide aid and support to those impacted by this tragic event. The coming days will be critical as the community grapples with the aftermath of the earthquakes and begins the long process of rebuilding.