Venezuela earthquakes: death toll passes 1,400

Venezuela earthquakes: death toll passes 1,400

More than 1,400 people have been killed and 3,360 others injured in the Venezuela earthquakes, according to the government, as rescuers keep searching for survivors and families wait desperately for news. Also on the programme, an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz has been struck by an unidentified projectile, following the first exchange of fire between the US and Iran since their deal to end hostilities; and we hear from the official chef for Norway's World Cup team. (Photo: Members of the El Salvador rescue team search for survivors in the rubble of a collapsed building following an earthquake, in La Guaira, Venezuela, June 26, 2026. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria)

Rescue efforts continue after deadly Venezuela earthquakes

As Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez says she has faith and hope that survivors of Wednesday's earthquakes will be rescued - we hear about the reality from Carcas. Also on the programme: after the US Supreme Court removes the protected status from hundreds of thousands of Haitians living in America, we hear from one woman who could be affected; and an appreciation of Mel Brooks - as the comedy legend turns 100 years old. (Photo: Family members react as firefighters and volunteers work to get their loved ones out from the rubble of a collapsed building after earthquakes hit the country in La Guaira on June 26, 2026. Credit: Reuters)

Nearly 1,000 people are confirmed dead in Venezuela and many still missing

Venezuela's government has promised that aid will reach affected areas- but already criticism of their response is growing. We speak with a professor of politics in Caracas to find out what she thinks of the response. A crucial World Cup match between Egypt and Iran in Seattle later today will unfold against the backdrop of the city’s annual Pride celebrations, Homosexuality and any symbols of pride are criminalized in both Iran and Egypt. We take you there to hear what it sounds like. And movie music instead of Bach? Symphony orchestras across the United States - and in Europe - are increasingly offering film score performances. We speak with a conductor at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on what he thinks about it. (Photo: A view of the donations received from locals in Caracas, Venezuela, June 26, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Fausto Torrealba)

Hundreds dead in Venezuela earthquakes

With many believed to still be buried beneath rubble, Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, has said UN-certified rescuers would be joining the search for survivors. The United States is deploying two warships, along with transport planes and helicopters. Specialists from Turkey, Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK will also be involved. Also on the programme: a World Cup match between Iran and Egypt in Seattle causes friction as it coincides with the city’s Pride celebrations; the discovery that Mars once had Earth-like magma systems beneath its surface raises the possibility of life on the red planet. (Photo: People inspect the rubble of a collapsed building in La Guaira, Venezuela, 25 June, 2026. Credit: Gaby Oraa/Reuters)

Rescuers search for thousands trapped after Venezuela quake

At least 180 people are now confirmed to have died in northern Venezuela after two powerful back-to-back earthquakes. Thousands are still unaccounted for. We hear from two people whose homes have been destroyed. Also in the programme; the owners of Hong Kong's last independent bookshop are arrested; and how scientists have managed to read ancient papyrus scrolls burned to a cinder when Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. Photo: People on motorbikes drive past damaged buildings following the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela Credit: RONALD PENA R/EPA/Shutterstock