Society · June 2026

The death toll from the series of powerful earthquakes in Venezuela has neared 1,500, with more than 46,000 people still missing, officials reported. Rescue efforts continue, including the extraction of a father and son alive after four days, but grief and frustration are mounting over the government’s response. Reports of looting have added to the tragedy, and a putrid smell is spreading across affected areas. Three members of the Venezuelan Jewish community were among the dead, a Jewish leader confirmed. (ongoing coverage) Lithuania has sent aid teams to earthquake-hit Venezuela, according to LRT. Italian firefighters made contact with a woman trapped under rubble in Venezuela. A residents' protest forced the military to join the earthquake rescue efforts in Venezuela.