La Guaira has become the most devastating symbol of the emergency Venezuela is facing following the two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale that struck this week. Authorities reported that more than 100 buildings collapsed in this coastal state, while rescue efforts continue and the government prepares a large-scale deployment of security forces to address the crisis.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed that Caraballeda and Catia La Mar are the hardest-hit areas, where hundreds of families remain displaced and numerous buildings have been reduced to rubble.
More than 11,500 officers will bolster security
STARTING A THREAD 🧵 SITUATION IN LA GUAIRA.
I went to La Guaira to accompany a colleague to the Playa Grande area where his family lives; he’s been looking for them since yesterday, but on the way there, what I saw was total devastation. It looks like a scene from a war, total anarchy… https://t.co/HHg3E03soU pic.twitter.com/oWhvYtXBpn
— Rafa (@raor_00) June 25, 2026
As part of its response to the emergency, the Venezuelan government announced that it will deploy 11,500 members of various security forces to La Guaira this Friday.
According to Cabello, as of Thursday afternoon, there were about 4,200 officials working in the area, but Acting President Delcy Rodríguez ordered a significant expansion of the operation.
The contingent will be made up of members of the National Guard, the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, the police, and other agencies, with the aim of supporting rescue efforts, maintaining public order, and facilitating the distribution of humanitarian aid.
Thousands of families affected
🇻🇪#NOW – Helicopter flying over the city of La Guaira.
The scale of the disaster is incredible.pic.twitter.com/LWYBwOmQ4n
— DatoWorld (@DatosAme24) June 25, 2026
Authorities estimate that the earthquakes have affected tens of thousands of families in La Guaira.
Nationwide, official reports indicate thousands of people affected, hundreds of people missing, and numerous damaged buildings, including hospitals, shopping centers, and residential buildings.
La Guaira is also home to the Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, the country’s main airport, which remains closed due to structural damage caused by the earthquakes.
Rescue efforts continue
#URGENT 11:07 p.m. Rescue teams continue to find survivors Thursday night in La Guaira and Caracas. #BREAKING pic.twitter.com/KSB3zpH3Ck
— Andrews Abreu (@AndrewsAbreu) June 26, 2026
While heavy machinery works through the rubble, Venezuelan and international rescue workers continue their round-the-clock search for survivors.
Several countries have sent specialized personnel and humanitarian aid to bolster the operations, while international organizations are coordinating the transport of emergency equipment and supplies.
Authorities continue to assess the damage caused by the earthquakes and have warned that the official figures could change as search and recovery efforts progress in the hardest-hit areas.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, which is considered one of the worst natural disasters to have occurred in Venezuela in recent years.
Filed under: La Guaira, earthquakes, Venezuela