Venezuela earthquake death toll exceeds 5,000, IMF provides $346 M aid
On 24 June 2026 twin earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela’s north‑coast, most severely affecting La Guaira state. The official death toll has risen to 5,119, with 16,740 injured and 6,462 rescued. More than 128,000 families have received assistance; 21,470 people are housed in 107 temporary camps, while 17,907 remain homeless.
The International Monetary Fund announced emergency financing of US$346 million, which Venezuela accessed from its own reserve tranche to fund housing, infrastructure and essential services. The IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva expressed solidarity and confirmed the release of the funds.
A UNESCO heritage‑protection plan was agreed in Caracas to safeguard archives, libraries and cultural sites damaged by the quakes. Parallelly, the government’s “Plan Venezuela Renace” is rebuilding over 9,000 homes, focusing on La Guaira, Caracas, Yaracuy and Aragua. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has pledged full reconstruction and honored roughly 6,000 rescue workers and canine units for their efforts. International aid, including a Uruguayan humanitarian flight, has also arrived.
Military deployment faced early delays and equipment shortages, but thousands of soldiers, police, civil‑protection and medical staff continue rescue and recovery operations amid aftershocks that total more than 1,300.