Aid worker and resident stand beside rubble as rescue teams search debris in front of a heavily damaged apartment building.

Venezuela earthquakes: what we know so far

Following catastrophic earthquakes on 24 June, Venezuela’s authorities have declared a state of emergency. Millions of people estimated to have been affected by the earthquakes, and the scale of the destruction is catastrophic.

Here’s what we know so far.

Why were the earthquakes so disastrous?

Venezuela was hit with two back-to-back earthquakes, only 39 seconds apart. Measuring a magnitude of 7.2 and 7.5, the second earthquake was the strongest to hit the country in more than a century.

The effects of the earthquake reduced buildings to rubble in minutes. Homes and businesses in Caracas and across several states were damaged, with serious impacts reported in the La Guaira and Greater Caracas areas. Around 96,000 buildings are believed to have been damaged or destroyed. As aftershocks continue, they are causing more disruption and hampering rescue efforts.

On top of this, Venezuela was already facing a humanitarian crisis. At the start of 2026, 7.9 million Venezuelans were estimated to need humanitarian support. This is driven by economic stagnation, inflation, and strained public services.

Collapsed building and piles of rubble cover a school playground after earthquake damage.

Following the recent earthquake, CESVI initiated a Rapid Needs Assessment starting June 27 to evaluate the immediate humanitarian impact and identify the most critical requirements of the displaced and affected populations. Field teams focused on four key sites across the Capital District (El Junquito Parish) and La Guaira State (Carayaca Parish). Photo: CESVI

How many people were hurt by the earthquakes?

At the time of writing, more than 2,500 people have been killed and more than 12,400 injured in the earthquakes. Tens of thousands more are missing, and the country’s hospitals are under extreme pressure.

Now, many survivors as sleeping in tents and makeshift shelters on the street. Families have been cut off from essential services and supplies as roads, power lines and critical infrastructure has been destroyed.

Aid worker speaks with a resident beside rubble and a damaged apartment building after a disaster.

ACTED staff survey buildings in Catia La Mar, l'État de La Guaira. ACTED have made two assessments and are planning food distribution in La Guaira as a first response. Photo: ACTED

How can I help families in Venezuela?

Families in Venezuela urgently need safe shelter, food and water. As a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee, we are working with our partner Acted to help people recover from this crisis.

Concern is helping to provide safe shelter for people whose homes have been destroyed, essential items like blankets, clean water to prevent the spread of disease and protection and support for children to keep them safe.

You can help families in Venezuela by donating to our appeal today.

Donate now