Venezuela quake damages $19.6bn as rescues and rebuild continue
On 24 June 2026 two strong quakes (M 7.2 and 7.5) struck northern Venezuela, killing about 5,398 people, injuring roughly 16,740 and leaving UN officials estimating up to 50,000 missing. The World Bank’s rapid damage assessment put direct losses at $19.6 billion (≈ 17.2 billion EUR), with 47 % of damage to residential buildings, 27 % to infrastructure and 26 % to non‑residential structures. Around 856 buildings were affected, 190 of them collapsing completely. Rescue operations remain active: three survivors were pulled from rubble after 28 days; authorities repeatedly debunked false rumors of additional rescues. Humanitarian response includes distribution of about 490 tonnes of food, water, medicine and protective equipment, and Save the Children highlighted urgent health needs for roughly 36,700 pregnant women and new mothers. The Caracas archdiocese inspected 27 churches, classifying 6 as safe, 16 as limited‑use and 5 as closed. Over 26,000 structures have been inspected nationwide, with many receiving a “green” habitability rating. The government launched a five‑phase, 100‑apartment reconstruction program for 115 families in La Guaira’s Cacique Caribe urbanism and continues to plan larger‑scale rebuilding. International donors, including the World Bank, IMF and regional partners, are preparing long‑term financing as reconstruction is projected to extend beyond 2036.