Venezuela Twin Quakes Kill 235, Portuguese, Spanish, Brazilian, Italian Nationals Confirmed Dead
Image: The Peninsula Qatar

Venezuela Twin Quakes Kill 235, Portuguese, Spanish, Brazilian, Italian Nationals Confirmed Dead

26 June, 2026.South America.7 sources

Key Takeaways

  • 235 people killed in Venezuela's twin earthquakes.
  • Foreign nationals among the dead include Brazilians, Spaniards, Italians, and Portuguese.
  • Brazil confirms two citizens killed—one woman and one man.

Foreign victims identified

Twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday killed at least 235 people, and foreign nationals were confirmed among the dead as rescue workers searched through rubble in Caracas on June 25, 2026.

At least seven foreign nationals, including citizens of Spain, Brazil, China, Italy and Portugal, have been confirmed among the 235 people killed in Venezuela's twin earthquakes

Asianet NewsableAsianet Newsable

The Peninsula Qatar said nine Portuguese nationals were killed, and it reported that the foreign ministry also said 56 citizens were missing or otherwise unaccounted for.

Image from Asianet Newsable
Asianet NewsableAsianet Newsable

It also reported that Spain confirmed the deaths of two Spanish nationals while government minister Angel Victor Torres said there were 90 Spaniards missing, hours after the foreign ministry reported that 80 Spanish nationals were "unaccounted for."

Brazil’s foreign ministry said two of its citizens—a man and a woman—died in the disaster, and it said the government was providing their relatives with consular assistance.

In La Guaira, a man in his mid-50s born in Caracas and holding both Italian and Venezuelan nationality was killed when a building collapsed, according to Rome’s foreign ministry, while Italy estimates there are about 170,000 Italian passport-holders in Venezuela.

Aid, trapped survivors

Rescuers worked through rubble with heavy machinery and bare hands after twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, killing at least 235 people, injuring thousands, and flattening large sections of buildings.

Daily Sabah reported that National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez said more than 200 people were still trapped under collapsed structures, while Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said the death toll had climbed to at least 235 with about 4,300 people injured.

Image from Daily Sabah
Daily SabahDaily Sabah

In La Guaira north of Caracas, Amparo del Giudice dug with her bare hands through a mound of concrete in search of her son, saying, "It is a lot of rock, and with bare hands it is impossible," as she continued digging.

The same report said a young girl died after calling for help for hours, and resident Dani Rizo, 48, said, "We need people, military personnel, to come and help so we can get her out," as rescue operations moved slowly.

Gulf News added that the United States Geological Survey measured the quakes at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, and it said the international airport in La Guaira was closed after suffering serious damage, threatening relief efforts.

Diplomacy and consequences

As foreign victims were identified, governments and international bodies pledged support while local conditions remained precarious, with aftershocks still being felt and bodies visible beneath debris hours after the quakes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil informed this Thursday (25) that two Brazilian citizens died as a result of the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday

Folha de S.PauloFolha de S.Paulo

Gulf News quoted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying, "We have a whole-of-government response. It’ll be big, it will be fast, and it will be effective," as the United States said it was deploying two warships, transport planes and helicopters and mobilising $150 million in aid.

The Peninsula Qatar reported that Portuguese President Jose Seguro addressed a "message of solidarity" to the Venezuelan people and extended it to Portuguese living in Venezuela, while Secretary of state for Portuguese communities around the world, Emidio Sousa, said Lisbon would look to provide assistance "based on need."

Folha de S.Paulo said Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed this Thursday that two Brazilian citizens died and that Itamaraty would not disclose personal information of the deceased, while stating it was providing consular assistance to the victims’ families.

It also reported that interim leader Delcy Rodríguez announced the creation of an initial fund of US$200 million with resources from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and that she said rescue teams specialized and certified by the United Nations system were on their way to Venezuela to help in the searches.

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