Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 188, Thousands Displaced
CARACAS, Headline24.id – The death toll from two earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 that shook Venezuela continues to rise. As of Wednesday (24/6/2026), at least 188 people have been reported dead, 1,520 others injured, while around 200 people are still missing or trapped under building debris.
The Speaker of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, stated that the disaster also caused at least 2,927 families to lose their homes due to damage or destruction.
The Venezuelan government is still continuing search and rescue operations, involving rescue teams in various severely affected areas.
Dozens of Aftershocks Shake Venezuela
Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, revealed that after the two main earthquakes, the region has been shaken by around 30 aftershocks.
This condition makes the evacuation process more difficult as officers must anticipate the possibility of collapse of still-standing buildings.
The government also announced it has secured US$200 million in funding, or approximately Rp3.26 trillion, from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support the recovery and reconstruction of earthquake-damaged infrastructure.
UN and Red Cross Deploy Emergency Aid
Several international organizations have begun sending humanitarian aid to Venezuela.
The Red Cross stated that its entire network in Venezuela has mobilized to provide assistance to the victims.
Meanwhile, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) identified the most urgent needs as search and rescue operations, emergency health services, and the provision of temporary shelters for affected residents.
In addition, the distribution of clean water, sanitation facilities, and basic necessities are expected to be top priorities in the coming days.
UN Worried About Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, said that emergency response teams are being prepared to strengthen the ongoing humanitarian operations in Venezuela.
According to him, the earthquake disaster has the potential to worsen the humanitarian conditions that the country was already facing.
Fletcher revealed that around eight million Venezuelans were already in need of humanitarian assistance even before the earthquake occurred.
He also called for international cooperation in supporting the disaster response efforts led by the Venezuelan government.
Major Earthquakes Shake Western Venezuela
According to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 occurred at 18:04 local time, with the epicenter located near the city of San Felipe, about 280 kilometers west of Caracas.
Shortly thereafter, the region was again shaken by a stronger earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5.
The epicenter of the second earthquake was in the area near Yumare, not far from the location of the first earthquake.
The USGS warned that this disaster has the potential to cause wider impacts, including the threat of landslides, liquefaction, and strong aftershocks.
The agency also estimated a significant possibility of the death toll continuing to rise as the search process progresses.
Several Countries Offer Assistance
United States President Donald Trump stated that his country is ready to assist in disaster management in Venezuela.
Through a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had instructed all relevant government agencies to prepare to provide humanitarian assistance.
The United States government also plans to send search and rescue (SAR) teams, medical aid, and emergency logistics to the affected areas.
In addition to the United States, several Latin American countries have also expressed their readiness to help.
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele announced that he has prepared approximately 50 tons of logistics and 300 SAR personnel.
Ecuador President Daniel Noboa Azin, Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and the Mexican government also conveyed their support and readiness to send humanitarian aid to Venezuela.
Damaged Infrastructure and Disrupted Public Services
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said that many houses and buildings were damaged by the earthquake.
The government has deployed civil protection personnel, volunteers, firefighters, and security forces to assist in the evacuation process.
As a precautionary measure, the supply of natural gas to thousands of homes has been temporarily shut off to prevent potential fires or explosions.
In several areas, electricity and internet services have also reportedly been disrupted.
The earthquake occurred during Venezuela's national holiday commemorating the Battle of Carabobo, meaning many residents were at home when the disaster struck.
Video footage circulating on social media shows the panic of residents at Maiquetía International Airport as the tremors occurred, causing damage to several parts of the building.
Indonesian Citizens Reported Safe
Amidst this situation, the government announced that all Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Venezuela are reported to be safe.
Indonesian authorities continue to coordinate with local diplomatic representatives to monitor the developing situation and ensure the safety of all Indonesian citizens in the affected areas.
