The Venezuelan government has updated the official death toll from the catastrophic earthquakes on June 24, announcing on Wednesday that 2,295 people have died, marking the most devastating seismic disaster in the nation in over a century.
In a broadcast on Venezolana de Televisión, Jorge Rodríguez, the President of the National Assembly, reported a total of 2,295 fatalities, with 11,267 injured and 12,841 individuals displaced to date.
The number of deaths has consistently risen since the initial reports: 164 were reported dead on June 25, increasing to 920 on June 26, reaching 1,719 by June 29, and 1,943 by June 30.
Rescue Efforts and Continuing Hope
Regarding rescue operations, the legislative leader mentioned that 6,461 individuals have been saved since the earthquakes struck, including a young girl found alive just the day before.
"Our hope remains unbroken, and we are determined to continue searching for survivors amid the rubble," Rodríguez stated.
Over 26,000 personnel—including the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, the Bolivarian National Police, firefighters, and institutional rescuers—along with more than 17,000 volunteers, remain active in the affected areas. Additionally, over 4,000 international brigadiers are still on the ground.
Discrepancies in Official and Independent Reports
Rodríguez also noted that interim President Delcy Rodríguez had ordered, 48 hours ago, the expedited relocation of displaced persons to temporary camps in Caracas and La Guaira, equipped with showers, beds, and mattresses.
However, the Venezuelan government's official figures starkly contrast with independent reports. The UN estimated up to 50,000 missing people following the earthquakes, while the citizen platform Encuéntralos, created due to the collapse of official emergency lines, recorded 71,203 unaccounted individuals as of Wednesday's end.
By June 29, this platform had identified up to 77,913 missing persons, of which only about 9,000 had been found, highlighting the true scale of the disaster compared to the data released by the Venezuelan regime.
Seismic Impact and Economic Consequences
The twin earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, struck northern Venezuela on June 24, just 39 seconds apart, with epicenters located in Yaracuy state. The United States Geological Survey classified them as the most intense recorded in the country since 1900, estimating a 42% probability that the total death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000.
The United Nations Development Program assessed the direct damages from the earthquakes at $6.7 billion, equivalent to 6% of Venezuela's gross domestic product.
Key Questions on Venezuela's Earthquake Crisis
What is the current death toll from the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The official death toll stands at 2,295, as reported by the Venezuelan government.
How many people are estimated to be missing after the earthquakes?
Independent estimates, such as those from the UN and Encuéntralos, suggest that up to 71,203 people remain unaccounted for.
What economic impact have the earthquakes had on Venezuela?
The economic damage is estimated at $6.7 billion, representing 6% of the country's GDP, according to the UNDP.