Venezuela earthquake: More than 100 people deported from the US are missing

On Wednesday, June 23, 2026, a series of powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela, causing widespread devastation and triggering a humanitarian crisis. The tremors, measuring up to 7.5 on the Richter scale according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), were felt across multiple regions, particularly affecting the coastal state of La Guaira, located north of the capital city of Caracas. In the aftermath, rescue efforts have been ongoing, but the situation remains dire as time passes without new survivors being found.

The earthquake occurred just hours after a deportation flight carrying 146 Venezuelan nationals arrived in the country from the United States. According to the NGO Human Rights First's initiative ICE Flight Monitor, this flight departed from Miami and landed in Venezuela shortly before the disaster. These individuals were initially taken to a hotel in La Guaira, which was subsequently severely damaged during the quake. Reports indicate that parts of the hotel collapsed under the weight of the seismic activity, leaving many of its occupants trapped beneath the rubble.

Among the few known survivors is 58-year-old Lisbeth Portillo, who managed to escape the ruins along with approximately 20 others. She described how they had to walk kilometers through the streets in search of help due to the lack of communication infrastructure immediately following the disaster. It was only after reaching a building belonging to the National Guard that she could contact family members. Portillo suffered injuries and expressed being in shock from the experience.

As of Monday, the Venezuelan government has reported over 1,700 fatalities, though estimates from international organizations suggest the number could be significantly higher. The USGS estimated that the earthquakes might have resulted in up to 10,000 deaths. Rescue operations continue despite the challenges posed by aftershocks and the difficult terrain. According to Simone Walter, a relief coordinator for the organization Help, based on previous experiences with earthquakes, only about ten percent of missing persons are typically rescued alive within the critical first three days post-disaster.

Currently, more than 45,000 people are listed as missing, although these figures are not independently verified. Families are searching for loved ones among lists of survivors housed in emergency shelters. The exact number of those deported from the U.S. who may have perished in the collapse of their hotel remains unclear. Multiple affected individuals have reported searching for relatives or fellow passengers since the earthquake.

Venezuela was already facing significant challenges prior to the earthquake, including economic instability and political unrest. Now, with the added burden of natural disaster, the situation has become even more precarious. Many people are living in temporary shelters or outdoors, while essential services such as electricity, water supply, telecommunications, and transportation remain severely disrupted in the affected areas. Healthcare facilities are overwhelmed, schools have closed, and children require long-term support to cope with the consequences of the catastrophe.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not respond to inquiries from the Associated Press regarding the deportation flights. However, footage released by the Venezuelan government on social media shows the arrival of the deportees at Caracas International Airport. According to ICE Flight Monitor, deportation flights from the U.S. to Venezuela resumed in February 2025 after a period of suspension, with additional flights taking place in May 2026.

Despite the grim outlook, there have been some positive developments. Four days after the earthquake, rescuers successfully retrieved several children from the rubble, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the despair. A father and his son were also rescued from the ruins in Caraballeda, a heavily damaged coastal area near Caracas. These moments of survival highlight the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

International attention has focused on the plight of Venezuelans affected by the disaster. Pope Leo XIV expressed condolences for the numerous casualties and damage caused by the earthquakes, emphasizing solidarity with the victims and their families. Meanwhile, opposition leader María Corina Machado announced plans to return to Venezuela, aiming to provide support and comfort to those impacted by the tragedy. Although the U.S. government has raised concerns about the timing of her potential return, Machado remains determined to reunite with her compatriots during this challenging period.

As the search for survivors continues, the focus shifts toward long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts. With the magnitude of destruction and loss, the road ahead for Venezuela will be arduous, requiring sustained international assistance and cooperation to address both immediate needs and future preparedness against similar disasters.