The death toll from the recent twin earthquakes in Venezuela has reached 920, with government ministries across six nations confirming the deaths of their citizens. Portugal, China, Spain, Brazil, Chile, and Italy have all verified casualties among the victims, highlighting the significant impact of the disaster on the international community residing within the country.
Which nations have confirmed citizen casualties?
International authorities have confirmed the following losses among their nationals:
- Portugal: The foreign ministry reported 28 deaths of Portuguese nationals or descendants, with 85 individuals still missing.
- China: According to Beijing’s state broadcaster CCTV, seven Chinese nationals were killed. The embassy in Caracas has advised citizens to prepare for potential aftershocks.
- Spain: The government confirmed five deaths and 119 missing. Officials stated that 14 citizens were located alive under rubble.
- Brazil: Two Brazilian citizens, a man and a woman, were confirmed dead by the foreign ministry, which is currently providing consular support to surviving families.
- Chile: One Chilean national died in the event, and the foreign ministry is providing guidance to the victim’s family.
- Italy: Rome’s foreign ministry confirmed the death of one Italian-Venezuelan man in his mid-50s in the La Guaira region.
Did you know?
Italy estimates that approximately 170,000 Italian passport-holders currently reside in Venezuela, while Spain reports 147,000 nationals living in the country as of January 1.
How does the international response vary by country?
The scale of foreign involvement in the rescue and recovery process reflects the size of each nation’s diaspora in Venezuela. Spain, which maintains one of the largest expatriate populations in the region, has pledged one million euros in aid to assist with the aftermath. In contrast, other nations like Brazil and Chile are focusing primarily on direct consular assistance and logistical support for the families of the deceased.
The disparity in reported missing persons—ranging from zero confirmed missing for some nations to 119 for Spain—suggests that the search-and-rescue phase remains ongoing. These figures are subject to change as local authorities in La Guaira and other affected areas continue to clear debris.
What are the primary risks for foreign nationals remaining in the region?
The Chinese embassy has issued an official warning via WeChat, specifically citing the threat of “secondary disasters.” These include aftershocks, which can further destabilize structures already weakened by the initial tremors. Experts typically advise that foreign nationals in disaster-prone zones monitor updates from their respective embassies, as these offices serve as the primary conduit for evacuation information and emergency resource allocation.
If you have family members abroad, ensure you are registered with your home country’s embassy or consulate. This is the fastest way for government agencies to verify your safety during a natural disaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many international victims in Venezuela?
Venezuela hosts significant diaspora populations from Europe and South America, including 170,000 Italian passport-holders and 147,000 Spanish nationals, which statistically increases the likelihood of foreign casualties during a major seismic event.
What should foreign citizens do if they are in the affected area?
Citizens are advised to follow the directives of local authorities and their home country’s embassy. Precautions against aftershocks and structural instability remain the priority.
Are the casualty numbers final?
No. With dozens of individuals still reported missing—including 85 Portuguese and 119 Spanish citizens—the death toll is likely to fluctuate as rescue operations progress.
Have you been affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela, or do you have information regarding emergency resources? Share your experiences in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing updates on the recovery efforts.
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