Two consecutive earthquakes struck Northern Venezuela last Wednesday, the second being the country’s strongest recorded earthquake since 1900. There has been widespread damage to life and infrastructure. Tragically, it is estimated that the current death toll is approaching 2000 people. Amidst the grief weighing down on Venezuelans, stories of successful rescue operations have offered a very small glimmer of hope. Operations are active around the clock with thousands still reported missing. NASA estimates nearly 59,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed.
The Wire’s Shaun Dourado brings you more updates and explores the impact of this disaster through conversations with Charlotte Graham, Head of International programs at UNICEF Australia, and Professor Lucy Lunevich from RMIT University.
Image: Image: Shutterstock – SajadIllustrator
Produced By: Shaun Dourado
Featured In Story: Charlotte Graham – UNICEF Australia, and Professor Lucy Lunevich – RMIT University
First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 1 July 2026