Venezuela Earthquake 2026
On June 24, 2026, two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude struck northern Venezuela just seconds apart, with their epicenters located in the state of Yaracuy. These seismic events were followed by numerous aftershocks, complicating emergency interventions.
The greatest damage was concentrated along the country's coastline, with the city of La Guaira, north of Caracas, experiencing the most severe effects of the two earthquakes. Hundreds of buildings have either completely or partially collapsed, and thousands more have been damaged, including several strategic structures such as hospitals and airports. The situation is dire, with hundreds of confirmed casualties and thousands of people reported missing, including dozens of Italians.
On June 25, the Government of Venezuela submitted a request for support through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). In response, the National Civil Protection Service was activated to assist. On July 2, the Council of Ministers declared a state of emergency for the Italian intervention in areas affected by the earthquakes. This decision was made at the proposal of the Minister for Civil Protection and Maritime Policies, Nello Musumeci, and at the request of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani.
The Civil Protection Department, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, coordinated the deployment of personnel and aid. The resources, in coordination with the Italian Embassy and Venezuelan authorities, are focused on areas that have reported the most damage.
On June 26, the Italian Air Force launched its first flight, carrying 37 operators from regional health services, 25 firefighters specialized in search and rescue operations, a group of 12 members from the Technical Assistance and Support Team (TAST) dedicated to logistical and cartographic support, representatives from the Crisis Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a team from the Civil Protection Department. This team is responsible for coordinating the various operational groups involved in the mission.
The Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) units of the Italian National Fire and Rescue Service are tasked with assessment, search, and rescue operations in urban areas of the La Guaira region. A base camp has been established in a baseball stadium in La Guaira to accommodate the Italian personnel and those from international organizations, including the European Union and the United Nations, who are participating in the mission.
Healthcare professionals from the Cross-Remote Centre for Health Rescue Operations of Pistoia, along with regional health services from Piemonte, Lombardia, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Toscana, and Lazio, are actively engaged in hospitals in Caracas and La Guaira, assisting local doctors and nurses to provide care for the population.
On June 27, a second aircraft from the Italian Air Force took off, transporting self-supporting tents for humanitarian aid, along with materials needed to complete the TAST module. On board were also 11 members of the EUCPT (European Union Civil Protection Team) and additional personnel from the Italian National Fire and Rescue Service to support the units already operating in the area.
Venezuela earthquake 2026
