Venezuela reports 315 unidentified bodies 17 days after earthquakes

Venezuela's government has confirmed that over 4,333 people have died in the recent earthquakes, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez. Among the deceased, 315 bodies are currently unidentified, as fingerprinting or other verification methods were not possible. Rodríguez stated this represents about 7% of the total fatalities, dismissing speculation about missing persons. He assured that dental impressions and DNA samples have been collected from these bodies for future identification. The rescue phase for survivors is ongoing, with active search efforts continuing at one to two sites using international rescuers and specialized equipment. The process of removing debris is being conducted slowly to avoid endangering potential survivors and to allow families to recover loved ones' remains, which Rodríguez noted is part of the grieving process. He denied knowledge of cases where bodies identified by relatives in morgue photos were not subsequently released for burial. The government is using its Patria system, which distributes bonuses, to report missing persons. In an update on the disaster's impact, Delcy Rodríguez, sister of the interim president, reported 16,740 people are homeless, with 91% of the injured already discharged from care. The government has set a target to rehouse affected families in new, temporary, or rental housing by the upcoming school year in September or October. The first 200 houses are scheduled for delivery next week to those in temporary camps set up in schools. A master reconstruction plan for La Guaira has identified 40 potential housing sites, with plans for buildings no taller than four stories. These identified terrains, covering 584,000 square meters, are located in heavily damaged areas like Catia La Mar and Caraballeda, as well as more distant locations.

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That is 7% of the total deceased.