Venezuela Declares Seven Days of National Mourning for Earthquake Victims

July 2, 2026

Caracas: Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez has declared seven days of national mourning in memory of those who lost their lives in the devastating earthquakes that struck the country on June 24.

Announcing the decision in a statement posted on social media on Wednesday (local time), Rodriguez said the period of mourning would begin at 6 p.m. the same day.

“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,” she said.

Expressing solidarity with those affected, Rodriguez added, “In these moments of profound sadness, we embrace those who suffer from this tragedy and reaffirm our commitment to accompany and protect them.”

She described the disaster as one that had left “Venezuela’s soul torn by the human losses caused by the devastating earthquakes.”

Death Toll Nears 2,000

According to the latest official figures, the earthquakes have claimed at least 1,943 lives, while more than 10,500 people have been injured.

Rescue and relief operations continue across the affected regions as authorities work to locate missing persons and provide assistance to survivors.

Portugal Announces National Day of Mourning

Portugal has also declared a national day of mourning on July 5 in honour of the earthquake victims, particularly Portuguese nationals and people of Portuguese descent living in Venezuela.

According to Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 71 Portuguese nationals and people of Portuguese descent, including 11 children, have died in the disaster, while another 71 people remain missing.

The Portuguese community in Venezuela is one of the country’s largest overseas communities, with an estimated population of around 1.2 million, including people of Portuguese descent.

Military Deployed in Worst-Hit Areas

Last week, Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced that La Guaira state, one of the worst-affected regions, had been placed under military control to support rescue operations and maintain public order.

He said acting President Delcy Rodriguez had authorised the deployment of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces to facilitate emergency response efforts and assist both Venezuelan and international rescue teams.

Officials said the majority of search and rescue personnel are currently operating in Caraballeda, Macuto, Los Corales and Catia La Mar, areas that suffered extensive damage following the twin earthquakes.