Quake Survivors Found After Venezuelan Disaster

By the Editorial Team · Monday, June 29, 2026

Twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck La Guaira, Venezuela, killing at least 1,450 people and injuring over 3,200 while international rescue teams continue searching for survivors amid widespread devastation. Despite successful rescues aided by search dogs and advanced technology, the rescue window is closing as local resources remain overwhelmed and aftershocks persist.

Rescue efforts continue in La Guaira, Venezuela, as international teams search for survivors four days after twin earthquakes struck the coastal city on June 24. The seismic events, registering magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, have resulted in widespread destruction, leaving at least 1,450 dead and more than 3,200 injured, with thousands still reported missing.

More than 1,600 foreign rescuers from over 20 countries have been deployed to assist local authorities in recovery operations. Specialized equipment, including 96 search dogs, has been airlifted into the region to aid in locating survivors trapped beneath the rubble. Among the recent rescues, Mexican teams recovered 13-year-old Jhonquer Cerpas from a collapsed apartment, while Colombian rescuers saved 11-year-old Moises Calzadilla after he spent nearly 70 hours trapped. Calzadilla’s location was identified through a combination of canine scent detection and heat scanning technology; he was extracted on a stretcher with a broken arm. A U.S. team later recovered an infant believed to be a few months old, who was reunited with his mother.

Despite these successes, the window for survival is narrowing. Swiss rescue teams reported that although dogs detected several live victims, not all could be saved before succumbing to their injuries. Survivors tend to have found access to water, increasing their chances of enduring the ordeal.

The scale of the disaster has strained local resources. Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s interim president, announced the deployment of more than 14,000 security personnel to manage assistance efforts. However, residents of La Guaira have expressed frustration over a lack of government support in the initial days following the earthquakes, describing reliance on neighbors and volunteer groups until international aid arrived.

The destruction caused by the earthquakes is estimated at $6.7 billion. Aftershocks have persisted, mainly affecting Caracas and adjacent areas. The United Kingdom contributed a team of 68 personnel and six dogs, arriving on June 27, along with an initial humanitarian aid package of £2 million.

In an address at the Vatican, Pope Francis extended prayers for those affected by the disaster and offered his gratitude to the rescue workers battling the ongoing crisis.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.