Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 3,342; Thousands Still Missing

July 6, 2026

Caracas: The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela continues to deepen following the devastating twin earthquakes that struck the country on June 24. The official death toll has now increased to 3,342, while 16,740 people have been injured, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez.

Rescue Teams Continue Search as Aftershocks Persist

In an update posted on Telegram on Sunday, Rodriguez said that 6,462 people have been rescued so far. Official figures also show that 17,345 people have been displaced due to the disaster, Xinhua news agency reported.

Authorities said Venezuela has experienced 995 aftershocks since the powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck on June 24, creating additional challenges for rescue workers and residents.

To support those affected, the government has established 80 temporary relief camps across impacted areas. Search-and-rescue efforts remain underway, with 29,567 personnel deployed, including 3,281 international rescuers assisting local authorities.

Officials also stated that tens of thousands of people are still missing, raising concerns that the casualty count could increase further.

Venezuela Observes Seven Days of National Mourning

In response to the tragedy, Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez declared seven days of national mourning to honour those who lost their lives in the earthquakes.

“In honour of the memory of the victims, I have decided to decree National Mourning for seven (7) days, starting at 6:00 p.m. today,” Rodriguez said in a statement shared on social media on Wednesday (local time).

She added that the government stands with families affected by the disaster.

“In these moments of profound sadness, we embrace those who suffer from this tragedy and reaffirm our commitment to accompany and protect them,” she said.

Calling the disaster a national tragedy, Rodriguez stated that “Venezuela’s soul is torn by the human losses caused by the devastating earthquakes.”

The acting president had earlier made the same announcement regarding the week-long mourning period as the country continues to cope with the aftermath of one of its deadliest natural disasters in recent years.

India Continues Relief Mission Under ‘Operation Amistad’

Meanwhile, India is continuing humanitarian assistance through ‘Operation Amistad’, with Indian medical teams providing treatment to earthquake survivors at the Indian Army’s Field Hospital in Venezuela.

Videos shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on X show survivors expressing gratitude to the Indian medical personnel for their dedicated healthcare services.

One woman, whose son is undergoing treatment at the field hospital, thanked India and the Indian doctors for their timely support and compassionate care.

India launched Operation Amistad soon after the devastating earthquakes to assist Venezuela with emergency medical aid and humanitarian relief as rescue and recovery operations continue across the affected regions.