Overview
- The twin earthquakes struck on Wednesday, June 24, and were measured by the USGS at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, causing widespread building collapses in La Guaira and parts of Caracas.
- Venezuelan officials report about 920 confirmed deaths and roughly 3,300–3,360 injured, while opposition-linked lists and UN briefings show more than 50,000 people unaccounted for.
- More than 1,600 foreign rescuers have arrived on 17 flights with additional teams and supplies en route, and India’s 'Operation Amistad' dispatched two IAF C-17s carrying over 35 tonnes of relief and a 41-member medical and rescue team.
- Authorities have restricted access to La Guaira, closed main roads and militarized the zone to prevent obstruction of official operations, a move that has limited volunteer entry but concentrated incoming international crews.
- The disaster has severely strained Venezuela’s damaged hospitals, power grid and airport, and the UN estimates millions affected and billions in direct damage, signalling a long relief and recovery effort with possible political and humanitarian consequences.