Nearly seven million people may have been affected by the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors amid widespread destruction.
The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Saturday that up to 6.76 million people could be impacted by the powerful earthquakes that hit Venezuela on June 24.
According to the IOM, the estimate is based on available population data and preliminary damage assessments. The projections include as many as two million people living in the capital, Caracas.
The agency warned that the figures highlight the potentially enormous humanitarian consequences of the disaster. Officials said further assessments are continuing as more information becomes available.
The twin earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, caused severe destruction across several regions. Entire buildings collapsed in the coastal city of La Guaira, located north of Caracas.
Authorities said the national death toll has risen to 920. Meanwhile, rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings in La Guaira and other affected areas.
On Friday, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said more than 50,000 people remained missing. Search and rescue operations are continuing despite difficult conditions.
The IOM also collaborated with Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab to conduct an initial satellite-based damage assessment. The analysis found that approximately 31.5 percent of buildings in Catia La Mar had sustained damage.
Officials said the satellite mapping helps humanitarian organizations identify the hardest-hit communities. Consequently, emergency teams can prioritize the delivery of life-saving assistance while ground assessments continue.
IOM Director General Amy Pope said the first hours and days after a disaster are critical for effective emergency response. She emphasized that rapid action shapes the success of long-term recovery efforts.
Pope said the organization has already begun deploying prepositioned relief supplies to affected communities. Additionally, the IOM is working with the Venezuelan government and humanitarian partners to provide emergency shelter, essential supplies and protection services for survivors.
