Venezuela's oil heartland is hoping a new wave of U.S. investment can revive an industry that once transformed the country. In Mene Grande, oil literally seeps from the ground. But despite that extraordinary wealth, residents face blackouts, failing infrastructure and mass emigration


Venezuela's oil heartland eyes US revival

After gaining access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, Washington is now turning its attention to the country’s gold and critical minerals. The U.S. has fast-tracked engagement between American firms and Venezuela’s mineral sector, raising questions over whether national security and economic interests are being used to secure wider access to the country’s strategic resources.

From oil to gold: US deepens Venezuela push

Donald Trump’s key broker for a major U.S.–Venezuela oil venture is Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt. A controversial figure who built his fortune during Hugo Chávez’s presidency, Betancourt has faced international investigations and is now working with the administration to secure U.S. access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.

US-Venezuela oil deal: Who is Trump's new Venezuela oil 'fixer'?

A tense new fault line in Venezuela's post-Maduro era. Opposition leader and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado has questioned the interim government's massive oil deal with the US — which grants Washington access to over 65 billion barrels, nearly 20% of Venezuela's reserves. While calling the US Venezuela's "principal partner," Machado said the current Caracas leadership lacks the "democratic mandate" to negotiate the country's resources, demanding elections instead.


Machado challenges Venezuela's 'illegitimate' interim govt over massive US oil deal

Venezuela’s elections remain on hold as US President Donald Trump backs the country’s interim government and says it is not yet ready to hold elections. The delay has sparked renewed debate over Venezuela’s path toward democratic elections, while talks continue over political and institutional reforms. 

Venezuela polls on hold as Trump backs interim government

President Donald Trump says the United States has reached what he calls the “Biggest Oil Deal in World History” with Venezuela. The agreement, according to Trump and Secretary of state Marco Rubio, would give U.S. Interests majority control of more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves, while bringing more than 100 billion dollars in private investment into the country. But now, Venezuela is also spelling out what it expects to gain, including more than 209 billion dollars in tax revenue.


Trump announces major US-Venezuela oil deal

The Trump administration is reportedly negotiating with Venezuela’s interim government to secure an ownership stake in several Venezuelan oil fields. The discussions reportedly cover more than a dozen productive fields holding around 90 billion barrels of proven reserves, roughly one-third of Venezuela’s total. The proposed arrangement could bring greater U.S. investment into Venezuela’s struggling oil industry while expanding American access to the country’s vast energy resources. Talks are ongoing, and no final agreement has been reached.

US seeks ownership stake in Venezuelan oil reserves

New Delhi: The United States has authorised certain transactions related to Venezuela’s Petróleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) 2020 8.5% bond from 17 September 2026, a step that could ease financial dealings for Indian firms with long-standing ties to the South American country’s oil sector. Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) is the state-owned oil and gas company of Venezuela and conducts exploration, production, refining, marketing, transportation, and export of oil, along with natural gas activities.&nbsp;The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) at the US Treasury issued General License 5Y on 3 August, further delaying the effectiveness of authorisations linked to the bond until that date. For years, successive general licences have postponed US persons’ ability to enforce bondholder rights over those shares, protecting the asset while broader sanctions remained in place.&nbsp;ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL), the overseas arm of India’s state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, stands to benefit. OVL holds significant interests in two Venezuelan oil projects: a 40% stake in the San Cristóbal field through the joint venture Petrolera Indovenezolana SA, and an 11% participating interest in the Petrocarabobo (Carabobo-1) project alongside partners including Repsol and Indian Oil Corporation.&nbsp;These investments, made more than a decade ago, have been severely constrained by US sanctions imposed during the Maduro era. OVL has reported hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid dividends, estimates range from around $600 million to as high as $900 million in recent reports, that could not be repatriated because of restrictions on financial transactions involving PDVSA. Operations at the fields have also been limited, with production far below potential.&nbsp;The latest licence forms part of a wider, gradual easing of Venezuela-related sanctions that began after the capture of former president Nicolás Maduro by US forces in January 2026 and the subsequent cooperation of the interim authorities under Delcy Rodríguez. Since then, OFAC has issued a series of general licences allowing established US entities broader dealings in Venezuelan-origin oil, diluents, and related services, while still keeping PDVSA itself under certain restrictions.&nbsp;Easier access to PDVSA-related financial instruments could simplify residual payments, restructuring discussions, or new commercial arrangements once the September date arrives. Venezuela holds some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, concentrated in the Orinoco Belt where OVL’s projects are located. For India, which relies heavily on imported crude, Venezuela offers potential diversification of supply and a chance to recover long-pending returns on capital already invested.

ONGC Videsh Limited holds interests in two Venezuelan oil projects: a 40% stake in the San Cristóbal field through the joint venture Petrolera Indovenezolana SA, and an 11% participating interest in the Petrocarabobo (Carabobo-1) project with Repsol and Indian Oil Corporation as partners.

New Delhi: The United States has authorised certain transactions related to Venezuela’s Petróleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) 2020 8.5% bond from 17 September 2026, a step that could ease financial dealings for Indian firms with long-standing ties to the South American country’s oil sector. Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) is the state-owned oil and gas company of Venezuela and conducts exploration, production, refining, marketing, transportation, and export of oil, along with natural gas activities. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) at the US Treasury issued General License 5Y on 3 August, further delaying the effectiveness of authorisations linked to the bond until that date. For years, successive general licences have postponed US persons’ ability to enforce bondholder rights over those shares, protecting the asset while broader sanctions remained in place. ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL), the overseas arm of India’s state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, stands to benefit. OVL holds significant interests in two Venezuelan oil projects: a 40% stake in the San Cristóbal field through the joint venture Petrolera Indovenezolana SA, and an 11% participating interest in the Petrocarabobo (Carabobo-1) project alongside partners including Repsol and Indian Oil Corporation. These investments, made more than a decade ago, have been severely constrained by US sanctions imposed during the Maduro era. OVL has reported hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid dividends, estimates range from around $600 million to as high as $900 million in recent reports, that could not be repatriated because of restrictions on financial transactions involving PDVSA. Operations at the fields have also been limited, with production far below potential. The latest licence forms part of a wider, gradual easing of Venezuela-related sanctions that began after the capture of former president Nicolás Maduro by US forces in January 2026 and the subsequent cooperation of the interim authorities under Delcy Rodríguez. Since then, OFAC has issued a series of general licences allowing established US entities broader dealings in Venezuelan-origin oil, diluents, and related services, while still keeping PDVSA itself under certain restrictions. Easier access to PDVSA-related financial instruments could simplify residual payments, restructuring discussions, or new commercial arrangements once the September date arrives. Venezuela holds some of the world’s largest proven oil reserves, concentrated in the Orinoco Belt where OVL’s projects are located. For India, which relies heavily on imported crude, Venezuela offers potential diversification of supply and a chance to recover long-pending returns on capital already invested.

ONGC Videsh Limited holds interests in two Venezuelan oil projects: a 40% stake in the San Cristóbal field through the joint venture Petrolera Indovenezolana SA, and an 11% participating interest in the Petrocarabobo (Carabobo-1) project with Repsol and Indian Oil Corporation as partners.

US move on Venezuela oil bond could unlock gains for India’s energy companies

US President Donald Trump has said that Venezuela is not yet ready for elections, while praising the country's recent economic progress, particularly its recovering oil industry. Trump credited Venezuela's acting leadership for improving oil production and claimed the country's economy had significantly recovered. However, he said elections would only take place when conditions are right. His remarks come as Venezuela continues to recover from devastating twin earthquakes that have claimed more than 5,398 lives, with thousands still displaced. At the same time, Caracas has announced its decision to permanently withdraw from the International

Trump on Venezuela Elections | Says country 'not ready yet' | US News 

Venezuela is now facing one of its toughest challenges yet. Twin tremors have left behind massive destruction and an estimated $37 billion in economic losses. Trade, tourism, and jobs have taken a huge hit as communities struggle to recover. The focus now shifts to reconstruction — rebuilding homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. But with resources stretched thin, the road ahead is long. 


Venezuela in crisis: How twin quakes destroyed an economy

Nearly two weeks after twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela's Caribbean coast, the country is confronting a new crisis, an economic one. As rescue efforts give way to recovery, thousands of residents are facing lost jobs, shuttered businesses, and an uncertain future. Here's a look at the economic toll of Venezuela's deadliest earthquake disaster in years.


Venezuela's economic recovery hinges on reconstruction

The death toll in the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has now surged past 4,300. With over 19,000 people displaced and currently living in makeshift camps, the humanitarian crisis is deepening by the day.


Venezuela earthquake: 19,000 people displaced after massive destruction

Venezuela has declared an eight-day period of national mourning following a series of earthquakes that caused widespread damage and loss of life. The national flag has been flown at half-mast as the country pays tribute to the victims. Emergency services are continuing rescue and relief operations in affected regions. Authorities have pledged support for rebuilding efforts and assisting displaced communities. 

Venezuela earthquakes: Venezuelan flag flies half-mast as country observes 8-day mourning 

US President Donald Trump used his historic 250th Independence Day address at Mount Rushmore to boast about swift US military operations. He asserted that the US "beat Venezuela in one day" and stated regarding Iran that the US "knocked the hell out of them," claiming Tehran is now "dying to settle".

Trump Hails US OPs in Venezuela, Iran as US Celebrates 250th Independence Day

Amid the devastation caused by Venezuela's twin earthquakes, rescuers have found a rare moment of hope. A man trapped inside a collapsed security booth was pulled out alive eight days after the powerful quakes struck. The dramatic rescue comes as emergency teams from multiple countries continue searching through debris, racing against time to find more survivors.


Venezuela quake miracle: Man rescued alive after 8 days under rubble 

Venezuela has declared a seven-day national mourning period following the devastating earthquakes that caused widespread destruction and significant loss of life. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the tribute to honour the victims and express solidarity with affected families. Rescue teams and emergency services continue relief and recovery operations, while authorities assess the full extent of the damage.

Venezuela earthquake: Delcy Rodriguez announces 7-day national mourning

The world witnessed an unusually busy week of seismic activity, with 93 earthquakes measuring magnitude 4.5 or higher recorded globally in just seven days, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). From a devastating double earthquake in Venezuela to powerful tremors off the coast of Japan and Northern California, the spate of quakes has raised questions about whether the planet is becoming more geologically active.

Global quake surge: Why is the earth shaking from Venezuela to Japan?

Four Venezuelan police officers were arrested after being accused of looting cash from the rubble of a building that collapsed during the devastating twin earthquakes last week and are facing dismissal from service.&nbsp;Videos on social media showed enraged people trying to stop members of the scientific, penal and criminalistic investigation service corps (CICPC) helping themselves to a safe full of dollars from a ruined building in the state of La Guaira, which was hit the hardest.&nbsp;The CICPC said in a statement that four officers had been arrested and relieved of their duties, and disciplinary action for their “immediate dismissal” had been started.&nbsp;“In light of the recent events in the areas affected by the earthquakes in La Guaira state, it was confirmed that a group of officers, deviating from their duties and taking advantage of the rescue and humanitarian aid efforts, acted improperly by appropriating valuables found among the rubble,” the statement said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-techie-33-dies-as-his-car-gets-swept-away-in-kansas-flash-floods-1782921864067">Indian techie, 33, dies as his car gets swept away in Kansas flash floods</a>&nbsp;“This individual conduct, reprehensible and contrary to the fundamental values of our doctrine, directly undermines the institution’s prestige and public respect,” it added.&nbsp;Public anger is rising over the slow pace of the rescue efforts by the government as well as over the conduct of some members of the military and police.&nbsp;Volunteers said they are doing their best to locate survivors even though they just have shovels and ropes and are even using their bare hands, while some Venezuelan military and police personnel are looting, blocking aid and co-opting donations.&nbsp;Local people and national and international rescue teams continue to search for survivors after the back-to-back quakes killed almost 2,000 people, injured more than 10,000, and left tens of thousands missing.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-directs-meta-to-halt-whatsapp-usernames-feature-until-consultations-are-complete-1782918599679">India directs Meta to halt WhatsApp usernames feature until consultations are complete</a>&nbsp;A three-year-old boy was pulled alive from the rubble of a building in La Guaira on Tuesday, but since hopes of finding more survivors are fading.&nbsp;Hundreds of volunteers were still streaming into La Guaira, the disaster’s ground zero, on Wednesday to help in rescue efforts.&nbsp;Volunteers said they still had hope that more survivors could be found as miracles happen and some people can survive 10 days. They were shifting rubble and listening intently for any sounds of life.&nbsp;Meanwhile, senior government officials blamed misinformation for the growing civilian anger and ⁠reports of military personnel’s involvement in looting. They urged the people to ignore “manipulation strategies on social networks” and instead rely on official information.But some of the volunteer rescuers say they see little evidence of the authorities rushing to help, a week after the disaster hit.&nbsp;

Public anger is rising over the slow pace of the rescue efforts by the government and over the conduct of some members of the military and police. Volunteers said they are doing their best to locate survivors even though they just have shovels and ropes, while military and police are looting.

Four Venezuelan police officers were arrested after being accused of looting cash from the rubble of a building that collapsed during the devastating twin earthquakes last week and are facing dismissal from service. Videos on social media showed enraged people trying to stop members of the scientific, penal and criminalistic investigation service corps (CICPC) helping themselves to a safe full of dollars from a ruined building in the state of La Guaira, which was hit the hardest. The CICPC said in a statement that four officers had been arrested and relieved of their duties, and disciplinary action for their “immediate dismissal” had been started. “In light of the recent events in the areas affected by the earthquakes in La Guaira state, it was confirmed that a group of officers, deviating from their duties and taking advantage of the rescue and humanitarian aid efforts, acted improperly by appropriating valuables found among the rubble,” the statement said. Also Read: Indian techie, 33, dies as his car gets swept away in Kansas flash floods “This individual conduct, reprehensible and contrary to the fundamental values of our doctrine, directly undermines the institution’s prestige and public respect,” it added. Public anger is rising over the slow pace of the rescue efforts by the government as well as over the conduct of some members of the military and police. Volunteers said they are doing their best to locate survivors even though they just have shovels and ropes and are even using their bare hands, while some Venezuelan military and police personnel are looting, blocking aid and co-opting donations. Local people and national and international rescue teams continue to search for survivors after the back-to-back quakes killed almost 2,000 people, injured more than 10,000, and left tens of thousands missing. Also Read: India directs Meta to halt WhatsApp usernames feature until consultations are complete A three-year-old boy was pulled alive from the rubble of a building in La Guaira on Tuesday, but since hopes of finding more survivors are fading. Hundreds of volunteers were still streaming into La Guaira, the disaster’s ground zero, on Wednesday to help in rescue efforts. Volunteers said they still had hope that more survivors could be found as miracles happen and some people can survive 10 days. They were shifting rubble and listening intently for any sounds of life. Meanwhile, senior government officials blamed misinformation for the growing civilian anger and ⁠reports of military personnel’s involvement in looting. They urged the people to ignore “manipulation strategies on social networks” and instead rely on official information. But some of the volunteer rescuers say they see little evidence of the authorities rushing to help, a week after the disaster hit.

Public anger is rising over the slow pace of the rescue efforts by the government and over the conduct of some members of the military and police. Volunteers said they are doing their best to locate survivors even though they just have shovels and ropes, while military and police are looting.

Four Venezuelan police officers arrested for alleged looting from rubble, face sacking

A spectacular sunset transformed the skies over Caracas into shades of deep red, creating a breathtaking scene that was captured by eyewitnesses across the Venezuelan capital. Videos and images shared on social media showed the city bathed in a crimson glow as the sun dipped below the horizon.


Venezuela: Deep red sunset over Caracas captured in stunning eyewitness footage

Rescue teams in Venezuela continue a desperate search for survivors after two powerful earthquakes struck the country within a span of just over a week. With the death toll nearing 2,000, emergency workers are combing through collapsed buildings and mountains of rubble in hopes of finding signs of life. The disaster has left widespread destruction, displaced thousands of residents and triggered a massive humanitarian response as communities struggle to recover from the devastating quakes.


Venezuela earthquake tragedy: Rescuers race against time amid ruins  

Venezuelans in Caracas were surprised to see the sky take on a reddish-orange hue on Tuesday evening (June 30), leaving people in awe and triggering speculations about what was happening. What makes the scene even more eerie and mysterious is the low-hanging clouds. Social media users quickly jumped into discussions about what was possibly happening in the city as videos from Caracas started going viral. While some think it is an ominous sign, others know that it is a simple phenomenon. Venezuela was struck by massive twin earthquakes on June 24, leaving nearly 2,000 people dead. People are pointing out that the skies turning red is a sign of more incoming doom.&nbsp;"Venezuela must cry out to God! Hard times are coming, and they must ask God for forgiveness for corruption, pride, and for Santería and witchcraft!" a user wrote on X. Another chimed in, "It’s a sign of death over the whole city. Lord help your people," with another adding, “Apocalypse.”<h2>Why is the sky in Venezuela red? Rayleigh scattering</h2>&nbsp;However, there is a scientific explanation for what Caracas is witnessing. Rayleigh scattering, also known as "candilazo", combined with Saharan dust, is creating the beautiful yet scary scene in the city. Typically, &nbsp;it scatters shorter wavelengths, such as blue, more intensely than longer ones, like red, which makes the sky appear blue during daytime.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Saharan dust over Venezuela is extremely fine and is acting like a natural filter. The shorter wavelengths in this case are scattered away, and only the longest and warmest wavelengths, red and orange, pass through. So we only see these two colours.&nbsp;<h2>Videos of red skies in Caracas, Venezuela</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🇻🇪 Reddish orange sky lighting up Caracas, Venezuela. While some are calling it mysterious, experts point to atmospheric conditions: Saharan dust combined with sunset light scattering. Still eerie to watch. Writer: Sol<a href="https://t.co/n6tk1vo2fo">pic.twitter.com/n6tk1vo2fo</a>&mdash; Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) <a href="https://x.com/MarioNawfal/status/2072136302741389690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Internacionales?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Internacionales</a> | 🔴🇻🇪 Usuarios en redes sociales compartieron imágenes de un inusual cielo rojizo en Caracas, Venezuela, registrado la tarde de este martes. 📹: Cortesía. <a href="https://t.co/tzO1ryoqKV">pic.twitter.com/tzO1ryoqKV</a>&mdash; #ÚltimaHora (@ultimahsv) <a href="https://x.com/ultimahsv/status/2072144895502963137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>“Genuinely eerie” red skies in Venezuela</h2>&nbsp;People have been left mesmerised by the colour of the sky in Caracas. Even though it is a natural phenomenon, the sky appears pretty fierce. "Saharan dust scattering sunset light into that color is a known phenomenon, but seeing it over Caracas is genuinely eerie," a user wrote. Another person wrote, "Beautiful but eerie. Atmospheric optics never disappoint — nature putting on a show."&nbsp;Venezuela is grappling with the effects of the devastating earthquakes, and despite knowing that the colour of the sky is simply a weather phenomenon, some people are finding it impossible not to link it to the tragedy. A video also shows buildings lying in ruins as rescue workers try to look for survivors, with the red sky behind them.&nbsp;&nbsp;A user wrote, "Scientifically, there may be an explanation. But spiritually, the image still feels impossible to ignore." He added, "A blood-colored horizon over a nation already shaken by earthquakes, grief, collapsed buildings, and thousands of missing people."&nbsp;Saharan Dust has been making its way westward and will soon cover Florida in the United States. On its way, it has now reached Venezuela, where it has created this spectacle.

The sky turned red and orange in Caracas, Venezuela, on Tuesday evening (June 30), leaving onlookers stunned. Visuals from the city are circulating on social media, showing low-hanging red clouds adding to the mystery. Here is what is happening. 

Venezuelans in Caracas were surprised to see the sky take on a reddish-orange hue on Tuesday evening (June 30), leaving people in awe and triggering speculations about what was happening. What makes the scene even more eerie and mysterious is the low-hanging clouds. Social media users quickly jumped into discussions about what was possibly happening in the city as videos from Caracas started going viral. While some think it is an ominous sign, others know that it is a simple phenomenon. Venezuela was struck by massive twin earthquakes on June 24, leaving nearly 2,000 people dead. People are pointing out that the skies turning red is a sign of more incoming doom. "Venezuela must cry out to God! Hard times are coming, and they must ask God for forgiveness for corruption, pride, and for Santería and witchcraft!" a user wrote on X. Another chimed in, "It’s a sign of death over the whole city. Lord help your people," with another adding, “Apocalypse.” Why is the sky in Venezuela red? Rayleigh scattering However, there is a scientific explanation for what Caracas is witnessing. Rayleigh scattering, also known as "candilazo", combined with Saharan dust, is creating the beautiful yet scary scene in the city. Typically, it scatters shorter wavelengths, such as blue, more intensely than longer ones, like red, which makes the sky appear blue during daytime. The Saharan dust over Venezuela is extremely fine and is acting like a natural filter. The shorter wavelengths in this case are scattered away, and only the longest and warmest wavelengths, red and orange, pass through. So we only see these two colours. Videos of red skies in Caracas, Venezuela

The sky turned red and orange in Caracas, Venezuela, on Tuesday evening (June 30), leaving onlookers stunned. Visuals from the city are circulating on social media, showing low-hanging red clouds adding to the mystery. Here is what is happening.&nbsp;

Sky turns eerie red in Venezuela, triggering shock and awe amid quake tragedy - Video

In a heartbreaking incident, Venezuelan football club Deportivo La Guaira confirmed that Argentine defender Lucas Trejo’s wife and two children lost their lives in the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. Trejo’s wife, Yanina Maranella and their children, Aaron and Ainhoa, were killed after two powerful earthquakes hit the Yaracuy region. Their apartment building collapsed during the disaster and they were reported missing before rescue teams later confirmed their deaths. Lucas Trejo was not with his family at the time. He was in Caracas with his club, Maritimo, preparing for an upcoming match.&nbsp;In an official statement, Deportivo La Guaira expressed its condolences to Trejo and his family, saying they stand with him during this painful time and pray for the souls of his wife and children.&nbsp;"From the #DLG we join the grief that overwhelms player Lucas Trejo, for the sensitive passing of his wife, Yanina Maranella, and of his children, Aaron and Ainhoa Trejo. Peace to their souls and comfort for Lucas and all his loved ones," the club said in an official statement.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026-cape-verde-goalkeeper-vozinha-shares-emotional-message-before-round-of-32-clash-vs-argentina-1782718041023">FIFA World Cup 2026: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha shares emotional message before Round of 32 clash vs Argentina</a>&nbsp;Trejo’s family was staying in Playa Grande, one of the areas worst affected by the earthquakes. After losing contact with them, the footballer appealed for help on the social media.&nbsp;“Our building in Playa Grande collapsed. I don't know anything about my family. Please pray for them and share this message in case someone saw them. I want to believe they weren't there. Please pray for my family, ” Trejo wrote on Instagram before the tragic news was confirmed.&nbsp;According to the United Nations, nearly seven million people may have been affected by the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Jun 24. The disaster has claimed around 1,000 lives, while thousands of people are still reported missing.

Trejo’s wife, Yanina Maranella and their children, Aaron and Ainhoa, were killed after two powerful earthquakes hit the Yaracuy region. 

In a heartbreaking incident, Venezuelan football club Deportivo La Guaira confirmed that Argentine defender Lucas Trejo’s wife and two children lost their lives in the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. Trejo’s wife, Yanina Maranella and their children, Aaron and Ainhoa, were killed after two powerful earthquakes hit the Yaracuy region. Their apartment building collapsed during the disaster and they were reported missing before rescue teams later confirmed their deaths. Lucas Trejo was not with his family at the time. He was in Caracas with his club, Maritimo, preparing for an upcoming match. In an official statement, Deportivo La Guaira expressed its condolences to Trejo and his family, saying they stand with him during this painful time and pray for the souls of his wife and children. "From the #DLG we join the grief that overwhelms player Lucas Trejo, for the sensitive passing of his wife, Yanina Maranella, and of his children, Aaron and Ainhoa Trejo. Peace to their souls and comfort for Lucas and all his loved ones," the club said in an official statement. Also Read - FIFA World Cup 2026: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha shares emotional message before Round of 32 clash vs Argentina Trejo’s family was staying in Playa Grande, one of the areas worst affected by the earthquakes. After losing contact with them, the footballer appealed for help on the social media. “Our building in Playa Grande collapsed. I don't know anything about my family. Please pray for them and share this message in case someone saw them. I want to believe they weren't there. Please pray for my family, ” Trejo wrote on Instagram before the tragic news was confirmed. According to the United Nations, nearly seven million people may have been affected by the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Jun 24. The disaster has claimed around 1,000 lives, while thousands of people are still reported missing.

Trejo’s wife, Yanina Maranella and their children, Aaron and Ainhoa, were killed after two powerful earthquakes hit the Yaracuy region.&nbsp;

Argentine footballer’s wife and children die in Venezuela earthquake

A massive search-and-rescue operation is underway across Venezuela after a catastrophic "doublet" earthquake—magnitude 7.2 and 7.5—devastated the nation on June 24. With at least 1,500 lives lost and over 68,900 people still reported missing, the scale of the tragedy is overwhelming, particularly in hard-hit states like La Guaira.


Venezuela earthquake: 1,500 + dead, 68,900  people missing amid massive destruction

Venezuela's strongest earthquake in more than a century has struck at a time when the country was only beginning to stabilise after years of economic turmoil.

Venezuela earthquake: $10-100 billion losses loom after Venezuela quakes

Venezuela is facing its most significant humanitarian emergency in over a century following back-to-back earthquakes that struck north-central regions on June 24, 2026. The twin quakes, a magnitude 7.2 foreshock followed 39 seconds later by a powerful magnitude 7.5 mainshock, have left a path of destruction across the country, with the coastal state of La Guaira emerging as the epicenter of the tragedy.  


Venezuela Earthquake: La Guaira hardest hit by the 7.2 & 7.5 magnitudes earthquakes 

Canada has acknowledged the involvement of a Khalistani-linked pilot in the Air India Flight 182 bombing, one of the deadliest acts of aviation terrorism in history.

The development comes as the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) paid tribute to the victims of the 1985 Kanishka bombing. The attack killed 329 people, most of them Canadian citizens of Indian origin, and remains a defining chapter in Canada's counter-terrorism history.

The renewed focus on the tragedy has revived discussions around accountability, extremism, intelligence failures and the long-lasting impact of the Kanishka bombing.

Canada: Mark Carney backs ties with Iran, Venezuela

First responders and rescue teams face an unforgiving race against the clock to pull survivors from the rubble after devastating twin earthquakes jolt Venezuela. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to debris fields, leaving local infrastructure completely shattered and cutting off vital access to water, power, and medical care. With thousands of displaced families already forced into makeshift camps, a multi-million dollar global relief web is spinning up rapidly to prevent a secondary humanitarian catastrophe.


Venezuela Earthquake: Twin quakes in Venezuela strongest in over a century

First responders and rescue teams face an unforgiving race against the clock to pull survivors from the rubble after devastating twin earthquakes jolt Venezuela. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to debris fields, leaving local infrastructure completely shattered and cutting off vital access to water, power, and medical care. With thousands of displaced families already forced into makeshift camps, a multi-million dollar global relief web is spinning up rapidly to prevent a secondary humanitarian catastrophe.

Venezuela in state of emergency as earthquakes leave behind a trail of utter destruction & turmoil 

The humanitarian crisis in Venezuela is intensifying following the devastating 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes. The official death toll has climbed to 235, with over 1,500 people reported injured. Rescue operations are now moving into a critical phase as search teams navigate the rubble of collapsed high-rises in Caracas and La Guaira.


Venezuela Disaster: 235 Dead, 1,500+ Injured | World Sends Rescue Teams & Aid

Venezuela Earthquake | Rescuers Race Against Time After Deadly Venezuela Quakes

Venezuela Earthquake | Venezuela Twin Quakes Trigger Massive Global Emergency Relief 

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