27.06.2026 12:20
Satellite images released after two consecutive earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela reveal the terrifying scale of the disaster. While Interim President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency in the country, it is reported that tens of thousands of people are trapped under rubble or missing.
The South American country of Venezuela is battling one of the largest natural disasters in its history. Satellite images released by international agencies following the devastating earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, occurring 40 seconds apart, have proven the immense scale of destruction caused by the catastrophe.
SATELLITE IMAGES REVEAL THE EXTENT OF DESTRUCTION
High-resolution satellite images comparing pre- and post-earthquake conditions have shown that many settlements have been virtually wiped off the map. While standing buildings have been replaced by completely collapsed structures and large piles of rubble, areas with dense construction, especially in coastal settlements, have become largely unusable.
OVER 40,000 PEOPLE MISSING: DEATH TOLL MAY RISE
Although initial statements from authorities announced at least 235 deaths, the latest information from the field indicates the situation is much more dire. As of now, more than 40,000 people are reported missing.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) noted that the tremors caused severe damage across a very wide area, warning that the death toll could increase exponentially. The agency's initial damage assessment reports included frightening evaluations that the final death toll could be in the tens of thousands.
STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Following the unprecedented tragedy, Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency across the country. As the government directs all national resources towards search and rescue efforts, the United Nations (UN) also warned that the humanitarian situation could worsen in the coming days due to the collapse of infrastructure in the country.
HEAVIEST TOLL IN THE CITY OF LA GUAIRA
According to information from the region, the settlement most affected by the earthquake was La Guaira, a coastal city near the capital Caracas. It was reported that numerous high-rise apartment buildings collapsed in the city, and streets are completely covered with concrete fragments and rubble. Emergency teams are working with limited resources to reach those trapped under the debris.
Interim President Rodriguez emphasized that the initial death toll figures do not fully reflect the situation in La Guaira. Noting that reaching many points is difficult due to the massive size of the debris, Rodriguez summarized the painful picture with the words: "Dozens of buildings collapsed. We are working intensively to save as many people as God allows. This is a real tragedy."