PÉROU PERSPECTIVE

Lima, July 9, 2026. Twelve days after the double earthquake that devastated northern Venezuela, Peruvian diplomacy is focusing on the fate of its nationals caught in the disaster. The official toll released on Monday by Caracas stands at 3,535 dead and 16,740 injured — a figure that continues to rise, as a later report cited by El Comercio Perú already mentioned 3,685 dead a few days later. More than 17,800 people have lost their homes, mainly in the coastal state of La Guaira, the epicenter of the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors that occurred on June 24.

According to Andina, the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Relations has secured, through its Section of Interests in Caracas, the evacuation of three elderly nationals to Lima, transiting through Bogota where they received consular assistance. A fourth Peruvian, 91 years old, could not be transferred "for reasons of force majeure," the Cancillería specified, indicating that it will continue its efforts to repatriate Peruvian minors also affected. Another family of five Peruvians, reported missing and then located in La Guaira, saw their home damaged but did not request repatriation; they are receiving humanitarian aid coordinated by the Cancillería.

Peru has also contributed directly to relief efforts: a team of specialized firefighters in urban search and rescue (USAR) has returned to the country after participating in the mission in Venezuela, Gestión recalls.

On the ground, the situation remains critical. Andina describes long lines of people waiting for food and medicine in La Guaira, while machines continue to clear debris. El Comercio Perú reports that hundreds of unidentified victims are being buried in mass graves at the La Esperanza municipal cemetery, where an anonymous employee estimates that around 800 bodies have already been buried.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced the upcoming reopening of a parallel runway at Maiquetía airport to resume commercial flights, as several airlines have transferred their operations to Valencia. Finally, more than 100 economists, including American Jeffrey Sachs, have called on the US to lift sanctions against Venezuela to facilitate humanitarian aid — a call widely relayed by the Peruvian press.