UN Warns Venezuela Earthquake Disaster Could Affect Nearly 7 Million People

UN Warns Venezuela Earthquake Disaster Could Affect Nearly 7 Million People

The United Nations has warned that the humanitarian impact of Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes could extend to nearly seven million people as rescue teams continue searching for survivors beneath collapsed buildings.

The powerful earthquakes, which struck on June 24, triggered widespread destruction across several parts of the country, flattening homes and critical infrastructure, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira and surrounding communities.

According to the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM), an estimated 6.76 million people may have been affected by the disaster, including about two million residents of the capital, Caracas.

The official death toll has risen to 920, while more than 50,000 people remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the number of fatalities could increase as search operations continue.

Satellite assessments conducted by the IOM in partnership with Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab revealed that nearly one-third of the buildings in the hard-hit town of Catia La Mar sustained damage, helping emergency workers identify communities requiring urgent assistance.

Aid agencies have begun distributing emergency relief supplies, including temporary shelter materials, clean water, medical support and other essential items to displaced families.

The UN warned that thousands more people could be forced from their homes in the coming days, stressing that Venezuela was already grappling with humanitarian challenges before the earthquakes struck.

The organisation has appealed for urgent international assistance, saying a rapid humanitarian response will be critical to saving lives and supporting communities as they begin the long process of recovery.