On June 24, 2026, two massive earthquakes hit South American country of Venezuela leaving behind a train of destruction. The death toll from the earthquakes has risen to 920 now with thousands still missing.
The first earthquake measured 7.2 on the Richter scale, which was followed seconds later by an even stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake. Both the earthquakes were shallow ones, with the first earthquake centred 20.3km below the surface, while the second one was at a depth of 10km.
Rescue workers are desperately trying to dig through the debris to find the survivors. More than two dozen foreign rescue teams have either landed in Venezuela or preparing to arrive, to help aid the rescue efforts. The United Nations said around 1,000 emergency responders from 25 search-and-rescue teams were being deployed. The Indian Army is also sending a specialised medical contingent under Operation Amistad to support relief and emergency response efforts. The Indian Army’s medical team from the 60 Para Field Hospital departed from Hindon Air Force Station
The coastal state of La Guaira and capital Caracas has suffered the heaviest damage due to the earthquakes. Region of La Guaira has been declared a disaster zone after widespread structural destruction. Authorities said 346 buildings have been damaged or destroyed, including eight hospitals and the headquarters of the Venezuelan Red Cross.
Meanwhile, another earthquake measuring 4.9 hit Venezuela two days after the devastating earthquakes.
