Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 6,000

Venezuela's National Assembly Chief Jorge Rodríguez announced that the death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck the country in late June has climbed to 6,125. This updated figure comes weeks after the powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors hit on June 24, causing widespread devastation, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira, north of Caracas.

The earthquakes led to the collapse of nearly 200 buildings. The previous death toll stood at 5,546, with approximately 17,000 people injured. Rescue teams and volunteers have continued to search through rubble for bodies and potential survivors. Reports from local media indicate that La Guaira Governor José Alejandro Terán stated around 1,400 people remain missing, though the government has not officially confirmed this figure, with some projections suggesting it could be as high as 10,000.

Beyond the destroyed structures, authorities have classified 6,433 buildings as "high-risk" and another 9,866 as "restricted housing" due to safety concerns. Consequently, nearly 24,000 individuals in La Guaira and Caracas are now residing in makeshift shelters. In an effort to address the housing crisis for those displaced, Venezuelan politicians have unanimously approved a law designed to simplify property rentals. This measure awaits enactment by interim leader Delcy Rodríguez to become official law.