UN warns nearly 6.8m could be hit by Venezuela earthquake crisis

The United Nations has warned that nearly 6.8 million people could be affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela this week, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors beneath collapsed buildings.

The latest assessment comes as the humanitarian situation worsens, with the death toll climbing to at least 920 and thousands more injured. Tens of thousands of people also remain unaccounted for following the powerful twin earthquakes, which measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude.

According to the UN’s International Organisation for Migration, up to 6.8 million people may be impacted based on current population and damage estimates. Aid agencies say the priority remains locating survivors trapped under rubble while providing emergency shelter, food, clean water and medical care to displaced residents.

The worst-hit areas include the coastal state of La Guaira and parts of the capital, Caracas, where buildings, roads and essential infrastructure suffered extensive damage. Many residents have been forced to sleep outdoors amid fears of aftershocks and further building collapses.

The UN said many people are afraid to return to their homes because of the structural damage, while humanitarian organisations continue to assess the full scale of the disaster. More than 41,000 people have been reported missing through an online portal, although officials are still verifying those figures.

International support has intensified, with search and rescue teams arriving from several countries to assist local emergency workers. Venezuela says thousands of military personnel and emergency responders have also been deployed to support rescue operations, clear debris and maintain public order.

The UN has allocated emergency funding to support life-saving assistance, including healthcare, temporary shelter, food supplies and access to clean water, while agencies warn that humanitarian needs are expected to grow as damage assessments continue.