Capital city of Venezuela’s Vargas state; main port, founded 1577
Two earthquakes have devastated Venezuela’s La Guaira coast, leaving thousands homeless and triggering a health and environmental crisis as debris, contamination, and collapsed infrastructure strain a weakened public system. Officials say tens of thousands remain missing, with damage exceeding billions. Aid workers warn of looming secondary crises and long-term displacement.
The twin earthquakes have devastated La Guaira, leaving thousands homeless and destroying hundreds of buildings. The interim government has expanded access to international aid while authorities struggle to chart the full scope of the disaster and ongoing recovery.
Colombia and Venezuela have experienced a sequence of strong earthquakes. Data show deep-focus Colombia quake at magnitude 7.4 prompting aftershocks, while Venezuela’s June quakes reached magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 at shallower depths. Countries are tightening seismic safety assessments and building codes to mitigate future damage.
Latin American governments are renewing ties with Israel, recognizing sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and restoring diplomatic channels after years of strain. Venezuela and Colombia are central to a broader regional realignment, with other states re-engaging in Israeli cooperation and security ties.
An AP investigation shows that Venezuela’s post-quake housing program built tall, concrete towers on silty soil near a major fault, leaving thousands homeless as aftershocks expose dangerous engineering choices and possible code violations.