Rescuers search ruins after deadly Venezuela earthquakes

Rescue teams are searching collapsed buildings in Venezuela’s La Guaira state after two powerful earthquakes left thousands dead or missing. Authorities put the death toll at at least 1,430, with more than 3,200 people injured and over 50,000 still unaccounted for.

Al Jazeera reported that drone footage from Catia La Mar, a coastal city in La Guaira, showed extensive destruction after the earthquakes. The footage showed rescue efforts still under way as teams worked through damaged and collapsed structures looking for survivors.

The earthquakes were measured at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, according to Al Jazeera. The twin shocks devastated the region, with Catia La Mar among the areas shown in aerial footage of the aftermath.

Search continues in collapsed buildings

Authorities said rescue crews continued to search for survivors in the ruins. The number of people listed as unaccounted for remained far higher than the confirmed death toll, pointing to the scale of the work facing emergency teams.

Al Jazeera’s video report focused on the continuing response in Catia La Mar. From above, the footage showed damage spread across the area, while rescue operations continued on the ground.

No additional details were reported about the cause of the earthquakes or the full extent of damage outside La Guaira. Authorities have so far reported casualties in the thousands, with the number of missing people still exceeding 50,000.

The footage was published on June 28, 2026, as rescue operations continued. Officials had not reported a final casualty figure, and teams were still searching buildings reduced or damaged by the quakes.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.