On Thursday, July 2, 2026, Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, reported a grim update on the aftermath of the powerful earthquakes that struck the northern region of the country on June 24. The twin quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, have claimed at least 2,595 lives and left approximately 12,400 people injured.

Rodríguez, accompanied by the president of the Parliament, Jorge Rodríguez, and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, highlighted the ongoing emergency response efforts. So far, rescue teams have successfully evacuated 6,462 individuals from affected areas, a testament to the coordinated work of local and international responders.

One of the most remarkable rescues took place in the coastal neighborhood of Playa del Mar, where Hernán Gil, a 43-year-old Venezuelan man, was pulled alive after being trapped under rubble for eight days. This operation required a continuous 72-hour effort involving around 100 international specialists, underscoring the complexity and urgency of the situation.

The United Nations has mobilized a significant humanitarian contingent, deploying 3,000 international rescuers across the disaster zones. In the past week alone, this team has located and saved 13 people, a critical lifeline amid the devastation.

Facing criticism over alleged delays in the government’s response, Delcy Rodríguez firmly rejected these claims during her press briefing. She emphasized that the Venezuelan state acted swiftly, issuing an emergency decree within hours of the earthquakes and immediately deploying civil protection and defense systems. “No operational decisions were postponed for several days,” she asserted, highlighting the government’s commitment to managing the crisis.

For migrants and international residents in Mexico and beyond, this tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of robust emergency systems and international cooperation in disaster response. As Venezuela continues to navigate this humanitarian crisis, the resilience of its people and the solidarity of global aid efforts remain crucial.