Venezuela earthquake death toll surpasses 4,700 as aftershocks continue

Caracas, Venezuela – The death toll from a powerful double earthquake that struck northern Venezuela nearly three weeks ago has climbed to 4,734, with officials reporting an additional 173 fatalities. The number of injured and those left without homes remains critically high, standing at 16,740 and 17,907, respectively.

Government figures indicate that over 20,900 individuals are currently housed in 107 temporary camps established in Caracas and surrounding states. Rescue teams and families continue to sift through the debris of collapsed apartment buildings, particularly in Caraballeda, La Guaira state, the region most devastated by the seismic events. The government claims to have assisted 128,324 families and treated 33,652 patients, though details on the scope and timing of this aid remain unspecified.

Since the initial earthquakes on June 24, Venezuela has been subjected to 1,275 aftershocks. The most recent notable tremor, a magnitude 3.9 quake occurring 10 kilometers northeast of Naiguatá in La Guaira state, caused widespread panic and prompted precautionary evacuations of buildings. This tremor underscored the ongoing vulnerability of the affected population.

In response to the devastation, the government has initiated a biometric census to determine housing needs, estimating that approximately 25,000 new homes may be required. The president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, stated that the first 200 new housing units are expected to be delivered this week. Additionally, a collaborative plan between the government and an opposition group, led by former deputy Dinorah Figuera, is set to commence on August 1. This plan aims to strengthen democracy and address the consequences of the earthquakes.