On Wednesday, 24 June 2026, around 6:04 p.m. local time, two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck northern Venezuela just 40 seconds apart. At the time of writing this update, official reports confirmed at least 188 fatalities, while search and rescue operations are ongoing. It’s estimated that total number of victims will exceed 10,000.
The devastation is significant in Caracas (the capital city) and in other highly populated cities along the country’s central coast, with La Guaira being the hardest hit. These earthquakes represent the most intense recorded in the country since 1900.
The United States Geological Survey’s Preliminary Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER) system has issued a Red Alert and estimates that the final number of victims could range between 10,000 and 100,000 people.
Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, declared a state of emergency, extending the measure to other major cities across the country.
Crisis On Top of Crisis
The twin quakes were a sudden and unexpected event, compounding an already challenging national context marked by deep economic hardship, resource scarcity, and structural limitations. Many communities lack the means to recover on their own, including Christian communities.
In addition to material losses, economic impacts, and medical emergencies, many churches have suffered damage to their facilities, limiting their ability to continue their social and spiritual work. This is further compounded by preexisting restrictions, economic hardship, and pressures from both government authorities and organised crime, which reduces the Church’s capacity to respond. They now face a dual reality: as part of the affected population and as key actors in the humanitarian response.
Horrific Damage
Impact on Venezuala’s infrastructure has been widespread. There’s severe damage to homes, hospitals, and public buildings, disruption to transport routes and key roads, closure of the main international airport due to structural damage, and interruptions to essential services.
The emergency has also caused widespread failures in basic services, including power outages, disruptions in access to drinking water, and telecommunications issues which have complicated response coordination and communication among families.
One local Christian shares: “The main concern for Venezuelan families at this moment is knowing whether their missing relatives are still alive. Many residential towers have collapsed with families inside. Another major difficulty is for the injured and for those who have seen their homes destroyed. All of this adds to an emotional shock that creates anguish and despair. People outside the country with relatives in the affected states may be going through moments of pain and distress as they learn that their loved ones are dead or missing. Power outages and communication disruptions in these areas are severely affecting the emotional stability of family members abroad. There is also fear of further aftershocks that could claim more lives and further damage already affected homes and belongings.”
Open Doors’ Response
In several regions of the country, particularly La Guaira, Caracas, Miranda, Aragua, and Carabobo, the scale of the impact has been considerable, further increasing the vulnerability of faith communities that need assistance themselves but are also striving to continue serving others.
The Church in Venezuela faces a particularly difficult situation as it responds to a large-scale emergency while dealing with its own limitations. The crisis not only affects its operational capacity but also directly impacts its members, increasing the pressure on the Church as a beacon of light and hope.
In the early stages of this crisis, Open Doors has responded by comprehensively addressing urgent needs through financial and food assistance. Local partners are also providing emotional and spiritual care. The approach seeks to strengthen the Church as it faces unprecedented events so it can be equipped to meet the current needs of affected communities and effectively support their recovery.
Please pray:
- That all humanitarian aid may reach those in need safely, impartially, and without discrimination
- That churches may continue serving their communities with courage and hope, and that those affected may experience God’s provision, protection, and peace
- For emotional and physical strength for families going through difficult times. May God restore their energy, sustain their bodies, and uplift their spirits each day in the midst of loss.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
