The number of Portuguese nationals and individuals of Portuguese descent confirmed dead following the powerful earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 96. The seismic disaster, which struck the nation on 24 June 2026, has resulted in a total confirmed death toll of 3,342, with an additional 16,740 people reported injured.
Venezuela and its capital, Caracas, were struck by two significant seismic waves on 24 June, occurring just 39 seconds apart. The tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, caused widespread building collapses throughout the country’s northern region. The area of La Guaria suffered the most severe impact and currently serves as the operational base for the Portuguese rescue teams deployed to assist in the crisis. Several European Union nations, including Portugal, have dispatched specialized rescue units to support the ongoing relief efforts.
Geologically, the country is situated on the boundary between the South American and Caribbean tectonic plates. The disaster occurred as these plates, which slide past one another, became locked and accumulated significant strain before a catastrophic rupture triggered the seismic events. La Guaria, which remains the focal point of the destruction, is also a region with a high concentration of Portuguese nationals and citizens of Portuguese descent.
