Credits and copyright: Phito byMarco Verch, La Guaira, 2026. Creative Commons 4.0

On June 24, 2026, Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, which hit within moments of each other, triggering one of the worst natural catastrophes in the country’s recent history. The twin earthquakes affected six states, leaving widespread destruction across northern and central Venezuela and plunging thousands of families into uncertainty.

The capital, Caracas, suffered severe structural damage, with multiple buildings collapsing in the districts of Chacao and San Bernardino. Yet the devastation has been greatest in the coastal state of La Guaira, where entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble in what survivors describe as an unprecedented catastrophe.

As rescue operations continue, criticism of the government’s response has intensified. Firefighters, volunteer rescuers, first responders, and residents in the hardest-hit communities have accused authorities of failing to respond adequately to the emergency and, in some cases, actively obstructing rescue efforts. Despite all these challenges, Venezuelans remain resilient and make the most of solidarity from inside and outside the country. 

In this special coverage, Global Voices is publishing stories directly from the ground about the impact of this natural catastrophe and how Venezuelans are surviving it.