Venezuela earthquake death toll reaches 1,430; UN estimates $6.7 billion in damages

Two powerful quakes strike the coast

Two earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck near the northern coast of Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24. The double tremor, followed by 430 aftershocks, caused severe destruction across seven states, with La Guaira bearing the worst damage. Authorities described the event as unlike anything in over a century.

This is the most fateful event this Republic has suffered in the last 123 years.

Rescue operations began immediately, but access to the hardest-hit coastal areas was hampered by debris and heavy traffic. By Saturday, the government had deployed more than 30,000 military, police, rescue workers, medical staff and psychologists to affected zones.

Death toll mounts to 1,430

In an address on state television, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez updated the official casualty count. He reported 1,430 deaths, 3,238 injuries, and 3,142 families now living in shelters after their homes were rendered uninhabitable. Rodríguez urged civilians to avoid traveling to La Guaira to keep roads clear for emergency machinery and ambulances.

At this hour we are counting 1,430 brothers and sisters who have died.

Seven states reported severe damage. The coastal state of La Guaira, north of Caracas, was the most affected. Authorities had distributed 7.2 tonnes of food, 16,145 food bags and 220,434 hot meals as of Saturday, along with more than 5,000 direct medical assistances in hospitals and over 12,000 care episodes in impact areas.

Spanish casualties and consular response

Among the dead are six Spanish citizens, with 133 still missing and 14 located in the rubble, according to Spain's RTVE. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has opened emergency consular lines and urged Spaniards in Venezuela to use them. The embassy in Caracas is coordinating with local authorities.

UN assesses economic toll at $6.7 billion

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released a preliminary damage estimate of $6.7 billion, based on satellite imagery, seismic models and population data analysed through the RAPIDA digital tool. The assessment covers housing and economic assets such as vehicles and commercial buildings, but excludes broader infrastructure damage, economic disruptions and long-term reconstruction costs.

The speed and precision of initial assessments are essential for an effective response.

Approximately 1.7 million structures were located in the affected zone. The UNDP said the figure corresponds to roughly 6% of Venezuela's GDP. The resident representative noted that each crisis presents an opportunity to put resilience at the centre of development strategies, ensuring recovery not only restores what was lost but builds a more sustainable future.