Twin 7.2 and 7.5 Quakes Devastate Northern Venezuela

Overview

• Two very strong, shallow earthquakes struck near La Guaira and Caracas on Wednesday, June 24, causing widespread building collapses and massive surface damage that left thousands trapped and cities in ruins.
• The Venezuelan government reported the death toll rose to 1,943 by June 30 and said 6,461 people have been rescued from rubble during six days of operations.
• A preliminary NASA satellite analysis estimates about 58,870 buildings were damaged or destroyed, a tally far larger than the official count of affected structures and still awaiting on-the-ground verification.
• United Nations agencies estimate roughly 50,000 people remain unaccounted for, the UN and WHO warn the health system and morgues are overwhelmed, and the UN's PNUD places provisional material damages near US$6.7 billion.
• Dozens of countries have sent aid and teams — including repaired port operations and hundreds of foreign rescuers — but damaged roads, limited heavy machinery and strained local services are slowing relief and will lengthen recovery and identification work.