The official death toll from the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has reached 4,118, with 16,740 reported injuries, according to a statement released on Friday by Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the Venezuelan National Assembly. This information was broadcasted by Venevisión news.
The report also details that 6,462 individuals have been rescued alive, with 190 buildings having collapsed and 856 structures damaged. Additionally, 17,907 people have lost their homes, and 17,266 of them are sheltered across 89 temporary camps.
Since the initial report on June 25, which recorded only 32 fatalities, the number of deaths has continuously increased, climbing to over 4,000 within just over two weeks. This disaster marks the most severe seismic event Venezuela has faced in more than 126 years.
Seismic Impact and Rescue Efforts
The seismic doublet on June 24 consisted of two earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring just 39 seconds apart. The epicenter was located between the states of Yaracuy and Carabobo, near Yumare and Morón, at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers, which exacerbated the structural damage.
The state of La Guaira has suffered the greatest destruction, with 158 out of the 190 collapsed buildings located in this coastal area, resulting in around 1.2 million tons of debris.
Rescue operations involve 30,076 Venezuelan personnel, 3,454 international rescuers, and 29,843 volunteers. Authorities report the distribution of 9,766 tons of food and over 13.9 million liters of water, along with medical care provided to 29,966 patients. Since the main earthquake, 1,171 aftershocks have been recorded.
Controversy Over Missing Persons
However, the government’s official figures are increasingly being challenged. At no point has the Venezuelan government released a count of missing persons, leading to widespread criticism.
The citizen platform "Encuéntralos" has logged over 71,000 reports of missing persons, while the United Nations estimates up to 50,000 individuals may be unaccounted for.
The United States Geological Survey issued a Red Alert on June 25, indicating a 42% probability that the total death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000 people.
International Impact and Economic Consequences
Internationally, at least eight confirmed Cuban casualties and over 20 missing persons have been reported, primarily from Caraballeda, Catia La Mar, and Los Corales in La Guaira.
Some Cubans remain missing weeks after the earthquake, including a family of six discovered beneath debris on June 28.
The United Nations estimates that 6.76 million people have been affected by this disaster, with economic losses approximating $6.7 billion, equivalent to 6% of Venezuela’s GDP.
Efforts are underway between Venezuela and the international community to establish prefabricated housing solutions for those left homeless. Meanwhile, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has appealed to King Charles III to release Venezuelan gold held in the Bank of England to fund reconstruction efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Venezuela's Earthquake Disaster
What were the magnitudes of the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
How many people are estimated to be missing after the earthquake?
The United Nations estimates up to 50,000 people may be missing.
What is the economic impact of the earthquakes on Venezuela?
Economic losses are estimated at $6.7 billion, about 6% of Venezuela's GDP.
How many buildings were destroyed in La Guaira?
In La Guaira, 158 out of the 190 collapsed buildings are located.