Venezuela earthquake death toll climbs to 3,685

The official death toll from the earthquakes that struck Venezuela nearly two weeks ago has risen to 3,685, according to the Venezuelan government. As of July 7, the government also reported 16,740 individuals injured.

This latest update indicates an increase of 150 fatalities since Sunday's figures. Information regarding the number of people still missing has not been provided. The powerful earthquakes, which occurred minutes apart near the capital, Caracas, registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, making them the strongest tremors in Venezuela since 1900.

The seismic events caused widespread destruction to infrastructure and buildings. Numerous countries dispatched rescue teams to aid in the search for survivors and recover the deceased from the rubble of collapsed homes. While some rescue operations have concluded, families of the missing continue their search amidst the debris.

Simón Bolívar International Airport, Venezuela's largest international gateway, was initially closed due to significant damage. However, Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's acting president, announced on Telegram that an alternative plan is in place to resume commercial flights as soon as possible using the airport's parallel runway. The United Nations estimates the earthquakes caused $6.7 billion in damages, equivalent to 6% of Venezuela's gross domestic product.