The Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has now confirmed that 119 Portuguese citizens and descendants have died following the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, marking an increase from the 117 victims reported the previous day. Among the dead, 96 were adults and 23 were minors, with 102 holding dual Venezuelan nationality. Additionally, 50 Portuguese citizens remain missing, down from 51 reported earlier.
What Families Need to Know Right Now:
• 119 confirmed dead (up from 117)—identification and repatriation processes continue
• 50 still missing—consular teams actively working on cases
• 102 victims held dual nationality—families may face complex legal processes regarding inheritance and documentation
• Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs hotline remains active for families seeking information on missing relatives
The Earthquakes and Immediate Impact
Two seismic events—magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5—struck approximately 200 km from Caracas on June 24, occurring less than a minute apart. The total death toll in Venezuela now exceeds 4,734, with over 16,740 injured according to Venezuelan government officials.
Portugal was among several European Union member states that dispatched specialized search-and-rescue teams. Portuguese operatives achieved a notable rescue on July 2, extracting a man buried under rubble for seven days in La Guaira. More than 27 countries contributed personnel to international search-and-rescue efforts coordinated by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Challenges for Portuguese Families
The high proportion of dual nationals among victims creates specific complications for families. The 102 dual nationals must navigate overlapping Portuguese and Venezuelan legal frameworks governing death certificates, estate administration, and repatriation of remains.
The Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues operating a dedicated support service for families seeking information on missing relatives or requiring assistance with repatriation and documentation processes.
Portuguese descendants have maintained a significant presence in Venezuela for generations, with many settling in coastal areas—zones directly affected by the June earthquakes. This reflects a community maintaining strong cultural and legal ties to Portugal while building lives in South America.
Recovery Operations and International Response
As the likelihood of finding additional survivors diminishes, most international search-and-rescue contingents have transitioned to recovery and reconstruction support. Venezuelan authorities reported that 6,462 people have been rescued since the disaster began.
The disaster struck Venezuela amid pre-existing economic and humanitarian challenges. International organizations including the International Committee of the Red Cross, World Food Programme, and UN Children's Fund have scaled up emergency operations, though resource constraints and infrastructure damage continue to complicate aid distribution through compromised logistics channels.
For Portuguese families with relatives in Venezuela, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains the primary point of contact for consular assistance, missing persons inquiries, and repatriation support.
