Venezuela Updates Earthquake Death Toll to 4,333; Explains Lack of Missing Persons Data

Venezuela's death toll from the twin earthquakes on June 24th has climbed to 4,333, with the number of injured remaining stable at 16,740, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez. When questioned about the absence of a missing persons figure, Rodríguez stated that the government operates on reality, not speculation. This contrasts with estimates from the United Nations, which suggests around 50,000 people remain unaccounted for, and a Venezuelan website tracking disappearances that lists nearly 30,000 reports. Rodríguez asserted that the government is not concealing information, emphasizing that they have consistently provided death tolls since the day after the earthquakes, as this is the only certainty. He also reported that 315 deceased individuals, representing 7% of the fatalities, remain unidentified due to a lack of recognition or inability to obtain fingerprints or link them to identification. Addressing concerns about unidentified bodies being buried in mass graves, Rodríguez explained that these remains are being interred at the La Esperanza cemetery, approximately 25 kilometers from Catia La Mar, one of the most affected areas. Samples are being taken for future identification. An EFE news agency report confirmed ongoing work at the cemetery to expand its capacity for an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 additional graves. Unidentified individuals are marked with names or numbers on white crosses, adorned with flowers and stones. Rodríguez detailed that dental impressions, fingerprints where possible, and skin samples for DNA analysis are being collected to aid future identification by relatives. He also mentioned that one or two sites are still active for live rescue operations. Regarding criticism of slow debris removal, Rodríguez defended the cautious approach, stating it is necessary to avoid endangering potential survivors and to allow families to recover the bodies of their loved ones.