UN: Heavy rainfall complicates post-earthquake rescue efforts in Venezuela

UN/New York (ANTARA) - UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarring stated on Tuesday that humanitarian operations to search for earthquake victims in Venezuela are becoming increasingly difficult due to high rainfall, which is raising the risk of landslides and further collapses.

“Our humanitarian colleagues report that rescue efforts are being further complicated by tropical waves and continuous heavy rainfall hitting Venezuela. These conditions increase the risk of further building collapses and landslides in the already affected areas,” Dujarric said during a briefing.

National authorities are currently monitoring high-risk zones, while the UN and humanitarian partners continue to expand life-saving assistance to support efforts led by the Venezuelan government, he added.

“Our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs have informed us that international search and rescue operations are fully operational, with 50 rescue teams and over 2,300 personnel working alongside national authorities as the critical window for saving lives narrows,” Dujarric added.

On 24 June 2026, two powerful earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela.

According to the latest official data, the death toll has reached 1,719 people, with more than 5,000 injured and 12,000 displaced.