Venezuela earthquake death toll reaches 3,535

The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has climbed to 3,535, with more than 16,700 people injured, according to updated official figures. The powerful back-to-back tremors on June 24 flattened entire neighborhoods in La Guaira state, north of the capital Caracas. Thousands are still reported missing.

The government reported 16,740 injuries and stated that over 17,000 people were left homeless. While the government has not provided a figure for those still buried under rubble, the UN estimates that as many as 50,000 people may be unaccounted for. Survivors are now living in temporary camps in streets, parks, and car parks.

As the focus shifts from rescuing survivors to burying the dead and clearing debris, international rescue teams have begun departing Venezuela. Families continue their own searches for loved ones, hoping to provide them with a dignified burial. On Sunday, authorities initiated the process of burying dozens of unidentified victims in a mass grave. A row of simple white crosses, each with a small bouquet at its foot, marked individual graves in La Esperanza cemetery in La Guaira. Each cross bore the same date of death: June 24, 2026.