The death toll from the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24, has unfortunately continued to rise. On Friday, Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the National Assembly, reported that the number of fatalities had reached 920, with more than 3,360 injured and 4,000 displaced individuals.
"It is with great sorrow that we must announce, as these are our brothers and sisters, that 920 people have lost their lives due to the extreme force of the June 24 earthquakes," Rodríguez stated in Friday's official afternoon briefing.
This figure marks a dramatic increase from the report issued earlier the same day by Delcy Rodríguez, which confirmed 589 deaths and 2,980 injuries. It also significantly surpasses the numbers from Thursday, June 25, which documented 164 fatalities and 971 injuries.
In just 48 hours, the number of confirmed fatalities has soared, underscoring both the true scale of the disaster and the ongoing progress of rescue operations amid the rubble.
Devastation Across the Region
Jorge Rodríguez also revealed that 383 structures were either completely destroyed or severely damaged, primarily in La Guaira state, the area hardest hit by the tremors.
Ina Rodríguez, governor of La Guaira, declared a state of natural disaster, and Jorge Rodríguez announced that the coastal region is now "fully militarized" under the control of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces to maintain order and facilitate rescue efforts.
Seismic Impact
The two quakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurred within just 39 seconds of each other, centered in the Yaracuy state, Yumare municipality, at depths ranging from 10 to 13 kilometers.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has classified these as the most powerful earthquakes recorded in Venezuela since 1900, issuing their highest-level Red Alert. Since the initial quakes, over 200 aftershocks have been recorded throughout the country.
International Response and Aid
The international community has responded robustly. According to the UN, 16 countries have sent over a thousand rescuers, including the United States, Spain, France, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico.
Washington has allocated $150 million in humanitarian aid, while the International Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal for 50 million Swiss francs.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that 6.76 million people may be affected by the disaster, including around two million residents of Caracas.
Tom Fletcher, the UN's Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, described the situation as "truly terrifying devastation" and noted that the organization was already assisting around eight million Venezuelans before the earthquakes, exacerbating the disaster's impact.
The Venezuelan government has announced an initial $200 million fund for reconstruction efforts, while rescue teams tirelessly search through debris for survivors.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Venezuela Earthquakes
What caused the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes were a result of tectonic activity in the region, with the epicenter located in the Yaracuy state, Yumare municipality.
How has the international community responded to the disaster?
Sixteen countries have sent over a thousand rescuers, and significant financial aid has been pledged, including $150 million from the United States and 50 million Swiss francs from the International Red Cross.
What is the current state of the affected areas in Venezuela?
La Guaira state, the most affected area, is under a state of natural disaster and has been militarized to maintain order and aid in rescue operations.