Deadly quakes devastate coastal Venezuela
Rescuers are racing against the clock to find survivors after twin earthquakes struck Venezuela's northern coast on June 24, claiming at least 920 lives. The 7.3 magnitude quake, followed by a 6.8 aftershock, leveled buildings across La Guaira state and caused damage in the capital Caracas. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with medical staff treating thousands of injured patients amid chronic shortages of supplies that have plagued the country's healthcare system for years.
Children at risk as humanitarian crisis deepens
UNICEF reports that 680,000 children are among the 1.8 million people in need of immediate assistance. Damage to hospitals, schools, and water systems has worsened the situation for displaced families. The International Organization for Migration estimates up to 6.76 million people could be affected overall, including 2 million in Caracas alone. IOM has begun deploying prepositioned relief items including emergency shelter and essential supplies.
Global response kicks into gear
US Southern Command said it stands with the people of Venezuela after meeting acting president Delcy Rodriguez. Search and rescue teams from multiple countries have arrived to assist local crews still pulling survivors from rubble. UN officials warn the recovery effort will be a long-term undertaking as the full scale of the disaster continues to emerge.