UN warns 6.8 million could be affected by Venezuela earthquakes

The United Nations has warned that nearly 6.8 million people may be affected by the powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela earlier this week, as emergency responders continue searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.

The warning comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis, with the confirmed death toll rising to at least 920 while thousands of others have reportedly sustained injuries.

Authorities also say tens of thousands of residents remain unaccounted for following the twin earthquakes, which recorded magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.

According to the International Organization for Migration, IOM, current population and damage estimates indicate that up to 6.8 million people could ultimately be impacted by the disaster.

Humanitarian agencies said rescue efforts remain focused on locating survivors buried under rubble while also providing displaced residents with emergency shelter, food, clean water and medical assistance.

The coastal state of La Guaira and sections of Caracas were identified as the worst-hit areas, with widespread destruction reported across residential buildings, roads and critical infrastructure.

Many residents have reportedly resorted to sleeping in open spaces due to fears of aftershocks and the possibility of additional building collapses.

The UN noted that concerns over structural damage have prevented many survivors from returning to their homes, while humanitarian organisations continue evaluating the full extent of the devastation.

Officials also disclosed that more than 41,000 individuals have been reported missing through an online reporting portal, although the figures are still undergoing verification.

International assistance has continued to increase, with several countries deploying search-and-rescue teams to support local emergency workers in affected communities.

The Venezuelan government said thousands of military personnel and emergency responders have been mobilised to assist ongoing rescue operations, remove debris and maintain security in disaster-stricken areas.

The UN further announced the release of emergency funding to support urgent humanitarian interventions, including healthcare services, temporary shelters, food distribution and access to potable water.

Aid agencies have, however, warned that humanitarian needs are likely to rise significantly as authorities continue assessing the scale of destruction caused by the earthquakes.