Death toll from Venezuela quakes rises to over 3,000 as nation marks its 215th independence day

Venezuela's twin earthquakes have claimed 3,342 lives, according to updated figures from the information ministry. The disaster has left 16,470 people injured and displaced 17,345, who are now living in shelters or tent encampments. Adding to the tragedy, an unofficial count suggests more than 41,000 individuals remain missing since the powerful 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude tremors struck on June 24.

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In the beginning it's all trauma from the earthquake, then we will have follow-up surgical visits.

Amid growing public frustration over the government's handling of the crisis, President Delcy Rodriguez defended the administration's actions during a speech commemorating Venezuela's 215th independence day. She asserted that security forces were deployed immediately and announced the formation of a new military unit dedicated to managing emergencies and disasters.

Civilians and international rescue teams have been actively involved in disaster areas since the earthquakes. The U.S. State Department, coordinating with various aid groups, has established a field hospital that has treated approximately 400 patients, with nearly 30 surgeries planned by Saturday evening. Medical director Peter Holz noted the transition from immediate trauma care to follow-up surgical needs, with plans to eventually integrate the field hospital's resources into local clinics.

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It will develop more into a community health center.

Despite the ongoing rescue and aid efforts, many survivors and international organizations criticize the government's response as slow and ineffective. Nearly 200 buildings have been confirmed destroyed, and the scale of the missing persons highlights the devastating impact of the quakes. Holz acknowledged the widespread sadness but also noted "a lot of hope in the midst of all of it."

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There's a lot of sad stories but also a lot of hope in the midst of all of it.