Venezuela is accelerating the search for survivors following a powerful earthquake, as the death toll rises to 589 with nearly 3,000 injured. Hospitals are unable to cope with the influx of patients, while international rescue teams are rushing to assist.
On 27 June 2026, the Venezuelan government revealed that the death toll from the powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on Wednesday night has risen to at least 589, with 2,980 injured and many still missing.
Delsi Rodriguez, acting president of Venezuela, stated that rescue teams both domestic and international are urgently searching for survivors. Teams from several countries have joined the mission, including 80 rescuers from Switzerland and aid teams from Mexico.
Throughout the night, officials focused on searching for people trapped under rubble in Caracas and La Guaira state, areas severely damaged. Earlier, they successfully rescued a woman safely from the debris. Many areas remain filled with grief as numerous people try to contact and locate missing relatives.
Medical staff in La Guaira reported that the two main hospitals in the state are facing patient numbers exceeding capacity and are severely short of medical supplies.
The two earthquakes occurred about one minute apart, causing many buildings to collapse, damaging numerous roads, and forcing many residents to set up mattresses and tents along the streets, fearing aftershocks and reluctant to return indoors.
This latest earthquake is the strongest Venezuela has experienced since 1900, causing widespread damage across several northern states.
Source: BBC