The twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, have claimed the lives of more than 5,000 people, officials confirmed. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes, which hit within a minute of each other, devastated the coastal state of La Guaira, located north of the capital, Caracas.

National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez reported on Telegram that the death toll reached 5,069, with most casualties occurring in the coastal region. The number of injured remains at 16,740, with many already discharged from hospitals. Approximately 20,000 people displaced by the quakes are living in overcrowded camps lacking adequate water and sanitation.

In response to the disaster, Venezuela has accessed $346 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for earthquake reconstruction. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced the fund release on July 17, 2026. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva confirmed on social media that the institution "worked with key counterparts to help Venezuela access its own resources at the Fund for urgent humanitarian needs," with funds drawn from Venezuela's reserve tranche.

Venezuela holds 3.568 billion Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) at the IMF, equivalent to about $5.1 billion. These resources had been previously blocked due to the IMF's non-recognition of Nicolas Maduro as president. However, the IMF and World Bank resumed relations with Venezuela in April 2026, following a military incursion by the United States that overthrew Maduro in January.

Sources

France 24 English