Venezuelan actress and mother confirmed dead after earthquakes
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Two earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, causing widespread destruction and an estimated 10,000 deaths.
- Actress Yorgelys Delgado and her mother were found dead after being trapped under the rubble of their collapsed building in La Guaira.
- The disaster damaged nearly 200 buildings, leaving over 15,000 residents homeless, and caused an estimated $6.7 billion in material damages.
Actress Yorgelys Delgado and her mother died after being trapped under the rubble of their La Guaira apartment building following two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24. Their bodies were recovered after a nine-day search.
Delgado's sister confirmed the tragic news on social media, expressing deep sadness and thanking those who offered prayers and support during the agonizing search. She also appealed for financial and social assistance for those affected by the disaster.
With deep sadness, we want to communicate the news.
The earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, have officially claimed over 2,600 lives and injured 12,000. However, forensic estimates and internal security reports suggest the death toll could be as high as 10,000. The La Guaira state, the hardest-hit region, saw 189 buildings collapse and 885 damaged, leaving more than 15,000 people without homes.
The seismic event was caused by the movement of the South American and Caribbean tectonic plates. International aid and specialized teams arrived to assist in rescue and recovery efforts, though the critical window for finding survivors has passed. The United Nations estimated material damages at $6.7 billion, equivalent to 6% of Venezuela's GDP, with up to 6.8 million people directly impacted by displacement or loss of essential services.
We deeply appreciate the affection, prayers, messages, and support received during these days of search, anguish, and hope. We ask at this time for respect and privacy for her loved ones.
Originally published by La Naciรณn in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.