The death toll from the dual earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, has skyrocketed to 6,125, according to the latest official update released on Monday by Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the Venezuelan National Assembly, via social media.
This figure signifies an increase of 579 fatalities compared to the previous count, which had remained at 5,398 since July 24, marking a month since the two quakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude hit the northern region of the country just 39 seconds apart.
Revised Weekly Report Structure
The new document, titled "Weekly Information Bulletin – Reconstruction Phase," alters its format from previous reports by omitting data such as the number of injured, displaced persons, and collapsed buildings, while for the first time including the number of houses provided to those affected.
Jorge Rodríguez—brother to interim president Delcy Rodríguez—reported that 60,992 individuals have received hospital care since the earthquakes occurred.
The report also notes 6,462 rescues and the assessment of a total of 43,679 homes. Of the 41,624 homes impacted, the government categorizes 25,325 as habitable, 9,866 as restricted, and 6,433 as high-risk.
Regarding debris removal, authorities have cleared 346,755 tons, equating to 16.51% of the total debris generated by the disaster. Only 287 homes have been handed over to affected families, a detail included for the first time in this type of report.
Controversy Over Missing Persons
One of the most contentious issues remains the number of individuals unaccounted for. The Venezuelan government has kept the official missing persons count frozen at just 157 since June 25, a number that civil and human rights organizations argue is far from accurate.
The governor of La Guaira state, José Alejandro Terán, acknowledged nearly 1,400 missing individuals just within his jurisdiction. The civic platform "Disappeared Earthquake Venezuela" has reported over 29,000 missing persons, while Venezuela Reporta estimates that number to be 41,300.
The Venezuelan NGO Provea called on the government to update both the death and missing persons figures, warning that there is no "public record to support" the official data.
The global director of the NGO Ayuda en Acción, Jorge Cattaneo, mentioned on July 24 figures of "40,000, 50,000, 70,000" missing, although he clarified that database issues—with duplicate reports—complicate the actual count.
"When it comes to missing persons on such a large and severe scale, it is not straightforward," he stated, as reported by France 24.
Long-term Economic Fallout
The impact of the twin earthquakes strikes a country already plagued by a severe economic and social crisis, with crumbling infrastructure and widespread poverty that exacerbated the earthquakes' effects.
Tens of thousands remain in makeshift shelters in stadiums, plazas, and green spaces, struggling to access clean water and basic services.
The World Bank estimated the direct physical damages at $19.6 billion—47% in residential housing, 27% in infrastructure, and 26% in non-residential buildings—and warned that a slow reconstruction could impede the country's economic recovery over the next decade.
Politically, the Venezuelan government and a sector of the opposition began a dialogue process on August 1, facilitated by the United States, aimed at a transition. This week in Caracas, they committed to addressing earthquake victim care, as well as issues related to democracy and political guarantees.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Venezuela Earthquake
How many people have died in the Venezuela earthquake?
As of the latest report, 6,125 people have died due to the dual earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026.
What is the current status of missing persons in Venezuela?
The official number of missing persons remains at 157, though civil organizations estimate much higher figures, with some reports suggesting up to 41,300 people are unaccounted for.
What are the economic impacts of the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The World Bank estimated $19.6 billion in direct physical damages, with significant impacts on residential housing, infrastructure, and non-residential buildings, potentially slowing economic recovery over the next decade.