Venezuela Earthquakes: Nearly 70,000 Still Missing; Confirmed Death Toll Nears 1,500

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Northern Venezuela continues to be rattled by aftershocks, with seismologists recording two (2) light earthquakes in the area this morning (Sunday 28th June, 2026), one of 4.5 magnitude at 4:30 AM, and another of 4.3 magnitude, approximately forty-five (45) minutes later, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

As more aftershocks on Sunday rattled nerves, fears are mounting that the window for finding survivors is closing. More than three (3) days have passed since the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck Venezuela, cutting a path of destruction through its Northern States. That exceeds the 72-hour window in which many experts and aid groups say the most people can be saved.

Venezuelan officials on Saturday (27th June, 2026) said there had been more than 430 aftershocks since the pair of powerful quakes struck on Wednesday (24th June, 2026), devastating many parts of the country.

Officials have confirmed at least 1,430 deaths, with 3,238 reported injures and approximately 68,900 people still missing, families told the Venezuelan Government.

Rescuers, however, are not giving up hope, saying people could still be alive, especially if they have access to food and water under the rubble.

The “doublet” earthquakes, which struck within thirty-nine (39) seconds of each other, caused hundreds of buildings to collapse and many people remain trapped inside. Desperate families have been digging through the debris by hand, trying to find their loved ones.

American search and rescue teams recently pulled an infant alive from beneath the rubble. The rescue comes as the U.S. continues deploying additional aircraft, military personnel and emergency resources to support life-saving operations across the region.

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday expressed solidarity with “our Venezuelan sisters and brothers” and called for prayers for the Venezuela earthquake victims. “As I pray to the Lord for the eternal rest of the deceased, I renew my spiritual solidarity with the families of the injured and with all those who have been struck by this tragedy,” he said, speaking in Spanish instead of Italian. “I also express my gratitude and encouragement to all those who are working selflessly in the search and rescue efforts.”

Many people are believed to be still buried under the rubble from collapsed buildings, and the death toll is expected to climb.

More on this as it becomes available. 

[Source: The New York Times]

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