Venezuela earthquake death toll surpasses 4,000 as nation appeals for frozen assets

The devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 have claimed the lives of at least 4,118 people, with another 16,740 injured, according to government figures. The powerful 7.5 magnitude quake, the strongest to hit the country in over a century, struck just 39 seconds after an initial 7.2 magnitude tremor, reducing entire high-rise apartment blocks to rubble in the coastal state of La Guaira.

Thousands of people are still listed as missing. While rescue teams have ceased their search for survivors, family members continue to sift through the ruins, desperately hoping to find loved ones for a dignified burial. The scale of the destruction is immense, with entire districts flattened.

The nation faces a monumental recovery effort, compounded by a prolonged economic crisis that has severely degraded state services. In response, Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, has appealed for the release of frozen assets held abroad to aid in the recovery. She has specifically requested that Britain release approximately 30 tonnes of Venezuelan gold, which remains frozen under UK sanctions.

Adding to the ongoing distress, a 3.0 magnitude tremor in central Caracas on Saturday caused temporary panic and led to the evacuation of buildings. The United Nations has issued an urgent appeal for nearly $300 million to support earthquake relief operations, highlighting the critical need for international assistance.

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The stronger 7.5 magnitude quake - the biggest in Venezuela in over a century - struck 39 seconds after the first 7.2 magnitude shock, flattening entire high-rise apartment blocks to layers of rubble.