Venezuela militarises La Guaira after twin quakes kill 920
Synopsis
Venezuela's deadliest earthquake in recent memory has pushed the government to militarise the entire coastal state of La Guaira — with at least 920 dead and over 3,360 injured, acting president Delcy Rodriguez has handed control to the armed forces as rescue teams from more than a dozen countries race to reach survivors in Caraballeda, Macuto, and Catia La Mar.
Key Takeaways
La Guaira state placed under full military control on Friday by order of acting president Delcy Rodriguez .
Wednesday's twin earthquakes have killed at least 920 people and injured more than 3,360 .
Hardest-hit areas include Caraballeda , Macuto , Los Corales , and Catia La Mar .
Rescue and humanitarian teams have arrived from more than a dozen countries , including India , Germany , Spain , and Qatar , as well as the UN system .
Residents urged not to travel to La Guaira ; donation drives for food, water, and heavy equipment set up in Caracas .
Venezuela placed the earthquake-battered coastal state of La Guaira under full military control on Friday, as authorities scrambled to accelerate rescue operations following Wednesday's twin earthquakes that have killed at least 920 people and injured more than 3,360.
Military Takeover of La Guaira
Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced the measure during a televised briefing, stating: 'We want to tell everyone that La Guaira state is now fully militarised and fully under the control of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces.' The order was issued by acting president Delcy Rodriguez to ensure public safety, maintain internal order, and facilitate rescue operations by both Venezuelan emergency responders and international teams.
Worst-Affected Areas
According to Rodriguez, the bulk of rescue personnel were concentrated in Caraballeda, Macuto, Los Corales, and Catia La Mar — coastal towns that bore the brunt of the seismic devastation. Infrastructure along the country's central coast has been severely damaged, complicating access for rescue convoys.
International Response
Technical and humanitarian assistance from more than a dozen nations has begun arriving since Thursday. Countries including India, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Qatar, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, and the UN system have dispatched rescue teams and specialised equipment. Rodriguez thanked thousands of volunteers and rescue organisations for their 'tireless efforts.'
Public Advisory and Relief Drives
Rodriguez urged the public to avoid travelling to La Guaira to prevent congestion on evacuation and supply routes. He also called on Venezuelans to donate essentials — water, food, mattresses, clothing, blankets, and earthmoving machinery — through collection centres established in Caracas. The twin earthquakes on Wednesday represent one of the deadliest natural disasters to strike Venezuela in recent memory, and recovery efforts are expected to stretch over weeks.
Point of View
Yet the militarisation order could complicate the operational autonomy that foreign rescue teams typically require. With a death toll of 920 and rising, the coming 72 hours will test whether the armed forces can function as an enabler of aid rather than a gatekeeper. The speed and breadth of international response — over a dozen countries within 48 hours — is notable, but sustained recovery will demand civilian governance structures that Venezuela has struggled to maintain.
NationPress
27 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Venezuela placed La Guaira under military control?
Venezuela militarised La Guaira state to facilitate rescue operations and maintain public order following twin earthquakes on Wednesday that killed at least 920 people. Acting president Delcy Rodriguez issued the order, with the Bolivarian National Armed Forces now overseeing security and logistics in the affected region.
How many people have been killed and injured in the Venezuela earthquakes?
At least 920 people have been killed and more than 3,360 injured, according to the latest official figures. The earthquakes struck on Wednesday and caused severe damage to infrastructure along Venezuela's central coast.
Which areas were most severely affected by the earthquakes?
The worst-hit areas are Caraballeda, Macuto, Los Corales, and Catia La Mar — all coastal towns in La Guaira state. Rescue personnel have been concentrated in these locations since the disaster struck.
Which countries have sent aid to Venezuela after the earthquakes?
More than a dozen countries have dispatched rescue teams and equipment, including India, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Qatar, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador. The UN system has also mobilised assistance.
What can Venezuelan citizens do to help earthquake victims?
National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez has urged citizens to donate water, food, mattresses, clothing, blankets, and heavy equipment such as earthmoving machinery through collection centres set up in Caracas. He also asked people to avoid travelling to La Guaira to keep evacuation and supply routes clear.
