The official death toll from the catastrophic earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24th has risen to 1,719, with 5,034 individuals reported injured. This update was provided by Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the National Assembly, during a broadcast on the state-run Venezolana de Televisión.
Rodríguez elaborated that the regime's official figures also account for 15,866 people who have been displaced and a total of 22,619 individuals receiving medical attention in hospitals, field hospitals, and triage centers spread throughout the affected areas.
Regarding structural damage, Rodríguez noted that 855 buildings have sustained damage: 189 have collapsed entirely, while 666 have suffered partial collapses or severe structural issues.
“The number of people who have lost their lives stands at 1,719. As of now, 5,034 individuals are injured, 15,866 are displaced, and a total of 22,619 affected individuals are being accounted for in our hospitals, field hospitals, and triage points,” stated Rodríguez.
The official also highlighted that 90% of the electrical service in La Guaira—the most severely impacted coastal state—has been restored. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has established two commissions to assess the habitability of the damaged structures.
The death toll has surged dramatically in just five days: initially, 164 deaths were reported on June 25th; the number rose to 920 by June 26th; reached 1,430 by June 27th; increased to 1,450 on June 28th; and by Monday, it had climbed to 1,719.
However, the official figures starkly contrast with independent assessments and international organizations. The UN estimates that as many as 50,000 people are missing following the earthquakes. Meanwhile, the citizen platform Encuéntralos, activated due to the collapse of official emergency lines, reports between 55,000 and 60,000 missing individuals, with only about 9,000 located so far.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has issued a Red Alert for the region, estimating a 42% probability that the total death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000.
The two earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, struck northern Venezuela on June 24th at 6:04 PM local time, just 39 seconds apart, with their epicenters located in the state of Yaracuy.
These are the most powerful earthquakes recorded in the country since 1900, according to the USGS, impacting a nation already grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis and deteriorating infrastructure after decades of mismanagement under the Chavista regime.
On Monday morning, a 4.6 magnitude aftershock hit the coastal area, though no new fatalities were reported.
Among the missing are at least 32 Cubans, primarily located in Caraballeda, Catia La Mar, and Los Corales in La Guaira. The death of young Cuban Vanessa Martínez has also been confirmed in this region.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has estimated the direct damages from the earthquakes at $6.7 billion, approximately 6% of Venezuela's GDP, with the total impact potentially reaching between $10.05 billion and $20.1 billion.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Venezuelan Earthquakes
What were the magnitudes of the earthquakes that hit Venezuela?
The earthquakes had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
How many people are reported missing after the earthquakes?
Independent estimates suggest that between 55,000 and 60,000 people are missing, with only about 9,000 of these individuals located so far.
What has the USGS estimated regarding the potential death toll?
The USGS has estimated a 42% probability that the total number of fatalities could be between 10,000 and 100,000.
What are the estimated financial damages caused by the earthquakes?
The direct damages are estimated at $6.7 billion, with the total impact potentially reaching between $10.05 billion and $20.1 billion.