local
Venezuelans take search for the missing into their own hands as earthquake death toll climbs
By Megan Janetsky, Andry Rincón And Juan Pablo Arraez, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 26, 2026
· 6 min read
Venezuelans took the search for missing loved ones into their own hands Friday in the aftermath of back-to-back earthquakes, citing the scarcity of government rescuers, as the human toll of the disaster climbed to at least 920 dead and more than 51,000 missing.Citizens digging through the rubble ...
Key takeaway Citizens digging through the rubble of their homes said they have seen few state rescue teams in the areas hit hardest by the devastating 7.
Why this matters in The Piney Point
The devastating earthquakes in Venezuela have a direct connection to the Houston area, home to a significant Venezuelan population. Many residents of Piney Point Village likely have family or friends affected by the disaster, and the lack of communication due to interrupted phone service only adds to the anxiety. As the people of Venezuela struggle to cope with the aftermath, the Venezuelan community in Houston will likely come together to provide support and aid. Local organizations and community groups may start collecting donations or organizing fundraising efforts to help with the relief efforts. The city's experience with natural disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey, could also provide valuable expertise and resources to help the people of Venezuela recover and rebuild. As the situation unfolds, it will be important to watch for local initiatives and efforts to support the Venezuelan community, both in Houston and abroad.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Venezuelans took the search for missing loved ones into their own hands Friday in the aftermath of back-to-back earthquakes, citing the scarcity of government rescuers, as the human toll of the disaster climbed to at least 920 dead and more than 51,000 missing.Citizens digging through the rubble ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Megan Janetsky, Andry Rincón And Juan Pablo Arraez, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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