Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude struck north-central Venezuela within 39 seconds on 24 June, causing an estimated $37 billion in direct physical damage, according to a preliminary assessment by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). The estimate includes about $24 billion in damage to buildings—homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and public facilities—and $13 billion to infrastructure. Telecommunications sustained the highest losses at around $5 billion, followed by energy generation and roads. This figure is based on risk modeling and does not yet include economic losses from disrupted services or reconstruction costs, so the overall impact may be higher.
The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) reports that children are among the hardest hit, estimating that 650,000 people require humanitarian assistance, including 234,000 children. Around one-third of schools in the Capital District, including Caracas, were damaged, disrupting education for thousands. UNICEF has deployed emergency teams and supplied 68 tonnes of essentials—medical supplies, water and sanitation equipment, and household items—while appealing for $52 million to support healthcare, nutrition, safe water, child protection, and education for affected families.
Search and rescue teams remain active in affected areas. Specialized personnel such as medical staff and engineers continue to arrive to support operations. An ongoing humanitarian needs assessment will inform an updated response plan and resource mobilization. The Venezuelan government has reported a death toll exceeding 3,340, with more than 16,740 injured and about 17,000 people displaced. Authorities in Caracas are leading the response, focusing on aiding displaced people and meeting urgent needs.
At least 79 transitional camps have been set up in stadiums and sports centers to shelter displaced residents and provide assistance. UN agencies are offering services in three of these camps and are evaluating additional locations. Health partners are providing primary services in the camps.