Venezuela Earthquake Toll Rises as Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Aftershocks
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela on June 24, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and resulting in significant human losses.
- As of July 3, the death toll reached 2,645, with 12,666 injured, and 32 Spanish nationals confirmed dead. International rescue teams are beginning to withdraw as hopes of finding survivors diminish.
- Efforts continue to rescue a 9-year-old boy trapped in a collapsed building in Caraballeda, while over 17,800 volunteers assist in rescue and donation drives. Venezuela has experienced 890 aftershocks since the initial quakes.
Venezuela is grappling with the aftermath of devastating earthquakes that struck on June 24, leaving a trail of destruction and a rising death toll. The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 tremors have caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure across the northern regions.
The Spanish nationals deceased in the double earthquake in Venezuela amount to 32.
Official figures released on July 3 indicate a grim reality: 2,645 people have died, and 12,666 have been injured. Among the casualties, 32 Spanish citizens have been confirmed dead, with 142 still missing. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that up to 6.76 million people could be affected.
As the probability of finding survivors dwindles, international rescue teams, numbering around 3,000 according to UN figures, are starting to depart. However, the focus remains on critical rescue operations, such as the effort to save a 9-year-old boy trapped in a building in Caraballeda, La Guaira state. Rescue teams from Spain, Portugal, and Venezuela are utilizing drones and dogs in this challenging endeavor.
up to 6.76 million people could have been affected by the earthquakes.
Despite the immense tragedy, a significant volunteer effort is underway, with over 17,800 Venezuelans participating in rescue work and organizing donation drives. The country has also been hit by 890 aftershocks since the initial earthquakes, underscoring the ongoing seismic instability. Ecuador has sent multiple flights of humanitarian aid, totaling over 30 tons, to support the affected population.
6,462 people had been rescued.
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.