Death toll from Venezuela earthquakes rises to 3,685 as Portugal sends 12 tons of aid
The official death toll from the June 24 double earthquake in Venezuela has climbed to 3,685, with over 17,000 displaced. Portugal is sending 12 tons of humanitarian supplies and two ambulances, arriving Wednesday.
The seismic event
On June 24, two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela, with epicenters located 200 kilometers from Caracas. The tremors occurred less than a minute apart and were followed by hundreds of aftershocks, according to the United States Geological Survey. The double shock caused widespread devastation across the region, particularly in coastal areas like La Guaira.
Human toll and destruction
The Venezuelan government's latest official balance, released on July 8, puts the death toll at 3,685, an increase of 150 from the previous day's count. The number of injured remains at 16,740. More than 17,000 people have been displaced, and authorities report that 856 buildings were damaged or destroyed. Rescue and recovery operations continue amid the rubble.
Portuguese community hit hard
The disaster has deeply affected the large Portuguese and lusodescendant community in Venezuela. As of July 8, the Portuguese foreign ministry confirmed 100 deaths among Portuguese citizens and those of Portuguese descent, with 59 still missing or uncontactable. Of the deceased, 86 also held Venezuelan nationality; 18 were children and 82 were adults. The Portuguese operational base is located in Catia la Mar, La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit zones and an area with a significant Portuguese population.
International aid mobilizes
Portugal has dispatched a humanitarian aid package to Caracas. Two Portuguese Air Force planes departed Lisbon on July 7 carrying 12 tons of hygiene, shelter, comfort, and sanitation materials, along with 1.5 tons of debris removal tools donated by the Portuguese Navy. The shipment also includes two fully equipped ambulances provided by the Red Cross, functioning as mobile health units. The aid, sent under the European Civil Protection Mechanism, is expected to arrive on July 8. The same aircraft will repatriate the Portuguese joint operational force (FOCON) that had been deployed for search, rescue, and first aid.
The emergency response in Venezuela is now entering a new phase, of humanitarian intervention.
Political solidarity
The Legislative Assembly of the Azores unanimously approved a vote of condolence for the victims. President Luís Garcia highlighted the "deep historical, family, and emotional ties" between Portugal and Venezuela, and acknowledged the work of rescue teams, health professionals, and volunteers.
It is with this sense of solidarity that the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores expresses its deepest sorrow for all the lives lost.
Secretary of State for Communities Emídio Sousa is traveling to Venezuela for political meetings and to engage with the Portuguese community.
- Two earthquakes (magnitude 7.2 and 7.5) strike 200 km from Caracas, less than a minute apart, followed by hundreds of aftershocks.
- Search and rescue teams from Portugal and other countries deploy; Portuguese base established in Catia la Mar.
- Official death toll reaches 3,535, with 16,740 injured.
- Portugal dispatches humanitarian aid (12 tons of supplies, 1.5 tons of tools, 2 ambulances) from Lisbon.
- Aid arrives in Caracas; death toll updated to 3,685; Portuguese victim count rises to 100 dead, 59 missing.
