Earthquakes in Venezuela leave 3,535 dead and 16,740 injured

Venezuela is grappling with the devastating aftermath of a series of earthquakes, which have claimed at least 3,535 lives and injured 16,740 people. The latest figures were released by Parliament President Jorge Rodríguez, highlighting the immense scale of the tragedy.

The earthquakes have displaced a significant number of residents, with 17,854 individuals losing their homes. In response, authorities have set up 82 temporary camps to shelter those affected. The disaster has impacted 856 buildings, with 190 having collapsed entirely. Official data indicates that 86,794 families have received assistance, and 9,603 tons of food have been distributed.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, with 29,567 military and security personnel deployed, alongside 27,930 registered volunteers. While authorities provided a contact number and digital platform for reporting missing persons, the official count of those unaccounted for has not been updated since June 25, when it stood at 157. However, a citizen initiative, 'Desaparecidos Terremoto Venezuela,' has registered over 30,000 people who cannot be contacted.

This seismic event marks the deadliest in Venezuela in the last century, far exceeding the 1967 earthquake near Caracas that resulted in 245 deaths. The recent tremors have affected Caracas and six other northern states, with La Guaira being the most severely impacted region. International rescue teams have largely withdrawn after 12 days, but Venezuelan volunteers, firefighters, and local residents continue the arduous task of clearing debris from collapsed structures.

“

at least 3,535 people have died and 16,740 have been injured