Death toll from Venezuela earthquake reaches 6,509

The death toll from a catastrophic double earthquake in northern Venezuela has risen to 6,509 fatalities, according to official figures released by the interim government on August 25, 2026. This marks an increase from the 6,438 deaths reported on August 17. The disaster occurred on June 24, when two major seismic events measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale struck the coastal state of La Guaira, north of Caracas, within 39 seconds of each other.

Two months after the event, rescue efforts led by volunteers and relatives continue in the rubble, while the authorities have yet to provide official statistics regarding the number of missing persons. The destruction was extensive, with at least 190 buildings collapsing immediately and approximately 25,240 properties now deemed uninhabitable.

In the aftermath, thousands of citizens remain displaced in temporary camps. In La Guaira, local authorities are carrying out controlled demolitions of structures deemed unstable to prevent further accidents. The recovery and clearing operations remain ongoing as the region grapples with the long-term impact of the devastation.