Venezuelan officials announced Friday that the death toll from two earthquakes that struck the country last week has risen to 2,595. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez provided the updated figures during a press conference, stating that rescue operations are ongoing more than a week after the tremors, which were the strongest to affect the nation in over a century.
In her first press conference since assuming the office in January, Rodríguez reported that more than 12,000 people have been injured. She did not provide a figure for the number of individuals who remain missing. An unofficial list circulating online estimates that approximately 38,500 people are still unaccounted for.
The earthquakes, a magnitude 7.2 tremor followed by a 7.5 mainshock, occurred on June 24, 2026. According to the government, the quakes have caused extensive damage, particularly in the capital city of Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira, which Rodríguez described as the hardest-hit region. She also stated that nearly all government officials in La Guaira were killed during the event.
Authorities report that nearly 800 buildings collapsed, with 189 of them completely destroyed. A separate preliminary satellite analysis released by NASA and Oregon State University researchers estimated that approximately 58,870 buildings were likely damaged or destroyed.
Multiple organizations have released initial estimates of the economic impact. The United Nations Development Programme projected $6.7 billion in direct physical damage, an amount equivalent to about 6% of Venezuela’s gross domestic product. Risk modeling firm Verisk estimated that total economic losses could exceed $10 billion.
The government reported that damage to infrastructure includes Simón Bolívar International Airport. Officials were also inspecting the state-run PDVSA fuel terminal in Catia La Mar. According to the government, oil exports have seen only minor delays.
The United States has initiated a disaster response, deploying four search-and-rescue teams with more than 900 personnel inside Venezuela, Reuters reported. The U.S. government has also pledged to mobilize $150 million in humanitarian aid. Additional international support, coordinated by the United Nations, is being provided by countries including Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Cuba, and Switzerland.
During the press conference, Rodríguez addressed the government’s handling of the crisis, stating that an emergency decree was issued to activate civil protection protocols within hours of the earthquakes.
