01/07/2026 21:10 - Internacionales
Venezuela is facing a humanitarian crisis of extraordinary dimensions following two massive earthquakes that struck the country on June 24, 2026. The earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, had their epicenter near the town of Morón, approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) west of Caracas, the nation's capital.
For context: Caracas is Venezuela's largest city and political center, while Morón is a small industrial city in the coastal region of Carabobo state, known for its petrochemical industry.
According to the official update as of June 30, 2026, the tragedy has resulted in:
A preliminary satellite study by NASA estimates that 58,870 buildings were damaged or destroyed. Images from the Sentinel-1 satellite, analyzed by the Disaster Response Coordination System, reveal damage extending from Caracas to Puerto Cabello.
La Guaira is the most affected zone, with 774 buildings damaged, including the total collapse of structures such as the 11-story La Gabarra building.
La Guaira is a coastal state just north of Caracas, home to the country's main international airport and serving as the primary gateway for humanitarian aid.
The Simón Bolívar International Airport, Venezuela's main international terminal, suffered severe damage, complicating the arrival of humanitarian assistance.
Despite the time elapsed, rescue teams continue finding survivors under the rubble:
These rescues demonstrate the incredible resilience of the human spirit and the dedication of international rescue teams working around the clock.
The international community has mobilized an unprecedented response:
| Country/Organization | Contribution |
|---|---|
| 27 countries | Humanitarian aid and rescue teams |
| United States | $300 million donation |
| Argentina | 64 military personnel deployed |
| UNICEF | 47 tons of supplies |
| Pope Leo XIV | 100,000 euros donation |
| China | 100 million yuan donation |
| Rescue Teams | More than 3,300 specialists with 200 trained search dogs |
Local residents in La Guaira are calling for more heavy machinery and fuel to accelerate rescue operations.
María Corina Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner and opposition leader in exile since late 2025, stated from Panama that she is willing to "do whatever is necessary" to return to Venezuela and help victims. However, the airspace closure by the transition government of Delcy Rodríguez prevents her return.
Context: María Corina Machado is a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader who was forced into exile. She received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 for her democratic activism. Delcy Rodríguez is a high-ranking official in Venezuela's current government.
U.S. officials expressed frustration with her requests, calling them "political maneuvers" according to reports. Machado left Venezuela in December 2025 to receive the Nobel Prize, and both Donald Trump and Marco Rubio advised her not to return in March 2026 for security reasons.
Yaya Peñaloza, an Argentine of Venezuelan origin, is searching for her father who disappeared after the collapse of the La Gabarra building. Families denounce the shortage of heavy machinery and misinformation on social media.
Organizations working on the ground and accepting donations include:
These organizations are working tirelessly to provide food, shelter, medical assistance, and support to the thousands of families affected by this devastating tragedy.
Sources: NASA, United Nations, Red Cross, UNICEF, Government of Venezuela, and international humanitarian organizations. For more information, visit the official channels of these organizations.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
