Venezuela earthquake: Death toll rises to 235 as India launches Operation Amistad for relief
Venezuela earthquake: The Venezuela earthquake has claimed at least 235 lives, while more than 4,300 persons have been injured, according to the latest official figures. Thousands of rescue workers continue to search through collapsed buildings as authorities fear the death toll could rise significantly.
Las imágenes que dejó el terremoto en el estado La Guaira declarado zona de desastre natural. pic.twitter.com/AWBVqoPw2v — Madelein Garcia (@madeleintlSUR) June 25, 2026
The Venezuela earthquake struck on June 25, which was a national holiday marking the anniversary of the historic Battle of Carabobo. As most people were at home watching FIFA World Cup matches, officials believe a larger number of residents were trapped inside collapsed buildings.
The Venezuela earthquake has also left more than 39,000 persons missing, according to the government. Rescue teams are still hearing voices from beneath the rubble in several affected areas, raising hopes that more survivors can be found.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that the disaster could become much worse. According to its estimates, there is a 44% probability that the death toll may exceed 10,000, while there is a 30% chance that fatalities could cross 1,00,000. The economic damage is estimated at nearly Rs 9.5 lakh crore.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has declared a nationwide state of emergency and is personally monitoring relief operations. She visited the heavily damaged northern coastal city of Macuto, met affected families and assured citizens that international assistance would continue to reach the country. She also said the government is working to speed up rescue and relief efforts.
Operation Amistad underway!
Two @IAF_MCC C17s took-off today for Venezuela with urgent assistance to support their post-earthquake relief efforts.
The assistance contains an Indian Army @adgpi Field Hospital Unit and over 35 tons of relief supplies, medicines and medical… pic.twitter.com/Dcq8P065tp — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 26, 2026
India has launched Operation Amistad to support the earthquake-hit nation. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced that two Indian Air Force C-17 transport aircraft have departed for Venezuela carrying an Indian Army field hospital unit and more than 35 tonnes of relief material.
Jaishankar said India stands firmly with Venezuela during this difficult time and is committed to providing all possible assistance for rescue and humanitarian operations.
Several countries have also stepped forward to help. Türkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) will send two military aircraft carrying search and rescue teams, medical personnel, humanitarian workers, rescue vehicles, and trained search dogs.
In Boca de Aroa—a coastal community in the state of Falcón, more than 100 miles west of Caracas—power is out and homes have collapsed in the wake of Wednesday's earthquakes. WCK restaurant partner Madre Masa is going directly to families, delivering hot meals to one of the… pic.twitter.com/hPmJNp9684 — World Central Kitchen (@WCKitchen) June 26, 2026
The first aircraft will transport a 38-member search and rescue team, a five-member medical rescue unit, Turkish Red Crescent personnel, two search dogs and three fully equipped rescue vehicles. The second aircraft will carry a 22-member humanitarian assistance brigade along with essential equipment.
Technology company Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, has announced one month of free satellite internet service for affected areas in Venezuela. The company said it is also working to restore internet connectivity to regions where communication networks have been disrupted by the earthquake.
Estuvimos en Macuto acompañando a nuestro pueblo en la búsqueda y rescate de todos los afectados por esta terrible tragedia. El Gobierno nacional está desplegado para atender la emergencia y en las próximas horas seguiremos recibiendo apoyo de la comunidad internacional. pic.twitter.com/XHjRbKmvNa — Delcy Rodríguez (@delcyrodriguezv) June 26, 2026
In addition to India and Türkiye, countries including the United States, Chile, Ecuador and El Salvador have deployed rescue teams and humanitarian assistance to support ongoing relief operations. Search efforts remain underway as emergency teams race against time to locate survivors trapped beneath the debris.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert for aftershocks while rescue and recovery operations continue across the affected regions.
To the Venezuelan people, to those whose loved ones are under the rubble, know that we are determined that help gets to you. pic.twitter.com/say4XV6BXg — Tom Fletcher (@UNReliefChief) June 25, 2026
- With inputs from agencies
