Venezuela Quake Death Toll Nears 3,000 as Rescue Operations Wind Down

The death toll from Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes has climbed to nearly 3,000, according to updated official figures released Saturday. As the grim tally rose, international rescue teams began concluding their search efforts for survivors amidst the rubble.

Fatalities increased by over 300 from Friday, reaching 2,954 following the June 24 disaster. The earthquakes have displaced thousands, forcing them to seek shelter in camps, while tens of thousands remain unaccounted for. The United Nations estimates that as many as 50,000 people are missing after the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors struck.

The coastal La Guaira area, north of the capital Caracas, was hit hardest, with numerous residential buildings flattened. Ten days after the earthquakes, which occurred just 38 seconds apart, rescue operations are winding down. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez presided over a ceremony to award medals to international teams, including their canine units, signaling the transition from rescue to recovery.

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We’re still working, still searching for bodies. We’re still going. It hasn’t been easy. We found two bodies that have already been released to their families.

Rodriguez acknowledged the "profound grief gripping our people," as families continue to hold out hope for finding loved ones alive. International teams, including contingents from the U.S. and South America, confirmed they were ending their operations. Many Venezuelans have voiced frustration with the government's perceived slow response, with some families resorting to digging through the debris themselves before international aid arrived. Rodriguez defended the government's efforts, stating that thousands of troops and officials were deployed.

The economic impact is also significant, with the UN estimating $6.7 billion in physical damage, equivalent to 6% of Venezuela's GDP. This adds to the nation's existing struggles with decades of economic crisis and political instability, which have weakened its infrastructure and healthcare systems.

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Venezuela is experiencing “a profound grief gripping our people, where families still hold out hope of finding loved ones alive, people who have lost everything”.