Venezuela earthquakes kill 188, international rescue teams race to find survivors
Two earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday evening, killing at least 188 people and injuring more than 1,500. International rescue teams with search dogs are now racing to find around 200 people still trapped under rubble.
The earthquakes
Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday evening, 24 June, within 39 seconds of each other. The tremors caused widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and damaging critical infrastructure across the region.
Casualties and damage
National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez confirmed on Thursday that the death toll had risen to 188, with more than 1,500 people injured. Around 200 people remain trapped under rubble, he said. Rodríguez described the disaster as the worst natural catastrophe Venezuela has experienced in 30 years. At least 250 buildings were completely destroyed or damaged, along with eight hospitals, 20 shopping centres and 68 public infrastructure facilities.
It is the worst natural disaster Venezuela has experienced in the past 30 years.
International rescue effort
Germany, the United States and Mexico moved quickly to dispatch rescue teams and aid. The German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) sent a rapid-response unit of nearly 50 personnel, including four dog handlers with search dogs, departing from Wunstorf on Friday morning aboard a Bundeswehr A400M transport plane. Six German military aircraft were made available, one configured for medical evacuation. Aid supplies such as water filters, field beds, tents and generators were also prepared.
As a rule, the 72 hours after an earthquake are the decisive hours. We can still rescue many people alive during that window.
The United States pledged $150 million in emergency assistance, with $100 million directed to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and $50 million to NGOs operating in Venezuela. Washington also announced it would send two warships, transport aircraft and an 80-person search-and-rescue team with six dogs. Mexico dispatched a 250-person contingent of rescue workers and medics aboard four planes, accompanied by five search dogs and a drone. President Claudia Sheinbaum said the team would coordinate with Venezuelan authorities upon arrival. Volunteers in US cities began collecting relief supplies for Venezuela.
Once they arrive and carry out a joint assessment with the Venezuelan authorities, we will see what additional help is needed.
- Two earthquakes (M7.2 and M7.5) strike northern Venezuela 39 seconds apart.
- Death toll reaches 188; over 1,500 injured and 200 still trapped.
- Germany, US and Mexico announce rescue missions and aid packages.
- German THW team departs; US and Mexican teams prepare to deploy.
On the ground
The German embassy in Caracas sustained damage, forcing staff to relocate to the ambassador's residence. Deputy Ambassador Stephan Wendt said some colleagues had spent the night on field beds and could not return to their homes. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and said UN teams in Venezuela were mobilising assistance. Venezuela activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, prompting coordinated European support.
We cannot currently work from the classic embassy building. We are now in the German residence, working from there.
Outlook
Rescue operations are now in a critical phase, with teams racing to locate survivors before the 72-hour window closes. The full extent of the damage remains unclear, and authorities expect the casualty figures to rise as search efforts continue.
