Venezuela rejects Colombia president‑elect's reconstruction offer after deadly June earthquakes

A double earthquake of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on 24 June 2026, killing more than 4,300 people, injuring thousands and leaving tens of thousands homeless. President‑elect of Colombia Abelardo de la Espriella announced that Colombia would lead the reconstruction of the affected regions, proposing the involvement of Colombian military engineers and private firms.

The Venezuelan government, represented by Acting President Delcy Rodríguez and Foreign Minister Yván Gil, responded with “extrañeza,” stating that the planning, coordination and execution of recovery and reconstruction are exclusively the competence of the Venezuelan State. Caracas said it has already activated public companies, national industry, private sector actors and technical personnel, thanked international solidarity, and affirmed that no coordination with the Colombian government is planned.

De la Espriella later clarified that his remarks were intended as humanitarian cooperation and did not seek to undermine Venezuelan sovereignty. The exchange underscores diplomatic tension between the two neighbours while the humanitarian crisis continues.