Neighbors carry a man rescued from the rubble of a collapsed building the day after earthquakes struck La Guaira, Venezuela, June 25, 2026 © Pedro Mattey, AP 
The death toll from two consecutive earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to about 235, with at least 4,300 injured, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado announced on state television Thursday, as rescue crews continued searching for survivors.
26/06/2026 – 04:35
What we know about the foreign victims of Venezuela’s quakes
Two Brazilians
Brazil’s foreign ministry confirmed that two of its nationals—a man and a woman—died in the quake, adding that consular assistance is being provided to their families.
The government was providing their relatives with consular assistance, the ministry said.
One Italian-Venezuelan
An Italian‑Venezuelan man in his mid‑50s, born in Caracas and holding dual citizenship, was killed when a building collapsed in La Guaira, according to Italy’s foreign ministry.
Italy notes that roughly 170,000 Italian passport holders reside in Venezuela.
Two Chinese
Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that two Chinese citizens were among the victims, as confirmed by the embassy in Caracas.
The embassy urged Chinese nationals in Venezuela to take precautions against aftershocks and other hazards via its official WeChat account.
26/06/2026 – 03:48
Website shows more than 46,000 people unaccounted for
The U.S. Geological Survey’s models suggest the death toll could climb into the thousands, with a significant chance of surpassing 10,000.
A tracking site set up to list missing individuals, shared by opposition leaders, showed over 46,000 people unaccounted for shortly after 7 p.m. (2300 GMT).
26/06/2026 – 03:45
World sends rescuers, aid as Venezuela reels from quakes
- United Nations‑certified rescuers will assist in searching for survivors, interim president Delcy Rodríguez said in a televised address.
- Spain and France are dispatching dozens of specialists, while Germany has pledged six military transport planes.
- Switzerland is mobilizing 80 personnel, eight rescue dogs, and 18 tonnes of equipment for deployment.
- Dutch Foreign Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma announced a €2 million aid package to field a search‑and‑rescue team, and the Czech Republic said its team is preparing to fly in.
- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has released $2.5 million to support relief operations.
- Pope Leo XIV sent an initial emergency contribution of €100,000 (about $114,000) to Venezuela, the Vatican announced.
- Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said a field hospital, 36 firefighters, and several rescue and communications specialists will be sent on two flights Friday and Saturday.
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced a military team of rescuers and medical personnel is heading to Venezuela, with additional aid possible if needed.
- Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele said he has readied 300 rescuers and paramedics, plus 50 tonnes of equipment, medicines, and basic supplies.
26/06/2026 – 03:29
Death toll from Venezuela earthquakes rises to around 235, health minister says
Desperate Venezuelans raced Thursday to find and rescue loved ones trapped beneath rubble after two major quakes that killed at least 235.
Buildings cracked, crumbled, and tilted after the quakes, measured by the USGS at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, which struck northern Venezuela less than a minute apart Wednesday night.
Powerful aftershocks continued to be felt Thursday, and Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said the death toll had risen from 188 to at least 235.
More than 1,500 people were injured as the ground shook, an event many Venezuelans described as a terrifying display of nature’s force.
Rescue operations proceeded slowly, with bodies still visible under debris hours after the quakes, while time ran out for some of those trapped and injured.
26/06/2026 – 02:48
US says sending military ships, planes to provide aid to Venezuela
The United States is deploying two warships along with transport planes and helicopters to give logistical support for earthquake relief in Venezuela, the US military said Thursday.
“These forces will provide specialized mobility services and support to U.S. government personnel, search‑and‑rescue teams, and interagency partners as they assess damage, locate the injured, and deliver life‑saving assistance,” U.S. Southern Command said in a post on X.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP and Reuters)