Aftermath and Approach

The death toll from Venezuela’s back-to-back earthquakes has surpassed 5,200. 

Twin tremors struck the coastal region west of Caracas on June 24 (see map). Efforts are ongoing to clear 190 collapsed buildings and repair 850+ damaged ones, while 20,000 now-homeless people gather in makeshift camps. President Delcy Rodríguez’s interim government has reported 16,740 injured and 1,331 aftershocks.  

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Bertha is skirting along the Gulf Coast today, expected to make landfall near New Orleans this afternoon (keep an eye on the path).

The second storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, Bertha’s on track to bring 2-8 inches of rainfall, storm surge, and gusty winds from Florida’s panhandle to the Middle Texas Coast through tomorrow. Forecasters issued tropical storm watches and warnings throughout the region yesterday, alerting Southerners to the danger of flash floods.

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PRAY WITH US
Father, King of Creation, call Your rebellious elements back to order. Jesus, Stiller of Raging Storms, bring peace and freedom from fear. Spirit, Giver of Life, fill us again. For those who are lost, search relentlessly and bring them home. For those who will rescue, grant courage and strength. For those who have lost everything, richly provide. To those who grieve, be near with comfort. To those who will rebuild, give fortitude, endurance, and hope. For Your people, a light in darkness, open doors for bold love.

Grow our longing for the arrival of the indestructible world, where the seas will rest like glass and the mountains will never again be moved. Prepare us for it, even in our weakness and mortality, growing our reverence and awe by the power of Your Spirit, through Christ our Lord. Amen.