Two earthquakes measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on June 24, causing widespread destruction along the northern coastline. Reports from outlets in China, the Gulf region and Western media said the quakes killed more than 2,000 people, while other Western outlets reported more than 3,000 deaths. The Ministry of Communication and Information recorded 3,342 deaths, according to a report by 1‑e8259.azureedge.net.

The tremors levelled buildings along the coast, damaging the state of La Guaira – the hardest‑hit northern state – and the Caracas metropolitan area. Thousands of people remain missing, and approximately 16,470 were injured, as reported by 1‑e8259.azureedge.net.

Civilians of all stripes, including survivors, family members, volunteer paramedics and foreign rescue teams, have descended on the disaster areas to assist with relief efforts, according to multiple sources.

Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela’s interim president, rejected allegations that her government responded too slowly to the earthquake disaster and blamed propaganda for criticism of the response. She said there will be no social unrest and, as reported by 1‑e8259.azureedge.net, described a deep social solidarity among the population.