Venezuela earthquake death toll reaches 3,342, with 16,740 injured

Venezuela is grappling with the devastating aftermath of a double earthquake that struck on June 24, with the latest figures revealing a grim toll. National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez announced that the death count has climbed to 3,342, while the number of injured has reached 16,740.

These updated figures represent a significant increase in fatalities, underscoring the ongoing efforts to recover bodies from beneath the rubble. Official reports indicate that 6,462 individuals have been rescued, and a staggering 17,345 people have been displaced, necessitating the creation of 79 temporary shelters.

The affected regions, primarily Caracas and six northern states, with La Guaira bearing the brunt of the destruction, are still reeling from the disaster. The earthquake is now recognized as the deadliest seismic event to hit Venezuela in the last century, far exceeding the 1967 earthquake near Caracas, which resulted in 245 fatalities.

While international rescue teams have departed, Venezuelan volunteers, firefighters, and civil defense personnel continue the arduous task of clearing debris. The government has established hotlines and digital platforms for reporting missing persons, though official updates on those unaccounted for remain scarce. In contrast, a citizen initiative, 'Desparecidos Terremoto Venezuela,' has registered over 31,000 individuals who cannot be contacted.