The death toll from Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes has climbed to 3,535, as authorities continue search, recovery, and relief operations in one of the worst natural disasters to hit the South American nation in recent history.
The powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, struck on June 24, causing widespread devastation across the capital, Caracas, and the neighbouring coastal state of La Guaira. Entire communities were flattened, roads and public infrastructure were severely damaged, and thousands of buildings collapsed.
Government officials said 16,740 people have been injured, while 17,854 residents have been left homeless.
Thousands of displaced families are currently living in temporary shelters set up across the affected regions as emergency workers continue to provide food, medical care, and other essential supplies.
Rescue efforts have gradually shifted from searching for survivors to recovering bodies and clearing debris. Authorities have begun burying unidentified victims in mass graves as hospitals and morgues struggle to cope with the overwhelming number of casualties.
Many families are still searching for missing loved ones, with fears that the death toll could continue to rise as more bodies are recovered from the rubble.
The humanitarian situation remains critical, with health experts warning of the growing risk of disease outbreaks in overcrowded shelters due to poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, and inadequate waste management.
Medical teams are also monitoring the threat of respiratory infections, diarrhoeal diseases, mosquito-borne illnesses, and other communicable diseases.
International humanitarian agencies and emergency response teams have continued to support relief operations by providing medical supplies, engineering assistance, and humanitarian aid.
However, several foreign search-and-rescue teams have begun winding down their operations as the focus shifts toward recovery and reconstruction.
The disaster has also sparked public criticism over the pace of the government’s emergency response, with many survivors expressing frustration over delays in rescue efforts and the slow delivery of assistance.
Government officials have defended their actions, insisting security forces and emergency personnel were deployed immediately after the earthquakes and have pledged to strengthen the country’s disaster response capacity.
With thousands still displaced and many communities struggling to rebuild, Venezuela faces a long and challenging recovery as authorities continue relief efforts and assess the full extent of the destruction.
