CARACAS: The death toll from the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela two weeks ago has risen to more than 4,000, as rescue and recovery operations transition into long-term relief and reconstruction efforts.
According to Reuters, the combined impact of two powerful earthquakes has claimed 4,118 lives, while 16,740 people have been reported injured.
The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck on June 24, causing widespread destruction across several parts of the country.
The coastal region of La Guaira was among the hardest-hit areas. Authorities reported that more than 800 buildings sustained damage, while 190 structures were completely destroyed.
Emergency responders have now concluded search-and-rescue operations for survivors. However, many affected families continue searching for the bodies of missing relatives beneath the rubble.
The disaster has placed additional strain on Venezuela’s already fragile public services, which have been weakened by years of economic hardship. Officials and humanitarian organizations say the country faces significant challenges in providing shelter, healthcare, and essential services to those displaced by the earthquakes.
Recovery efforts are expected to require substantial international support as authorities begin rebuilding damaged infrastructure and assisting thousands of affected families.
In response to the humanitarian crisis, the United Nations on Wednesday appealed for $300 million in emergency funding to support relief operations and provide urgent assistance to earthquake survivors.
Humanitarian agencies are working to deliver food, clean water, medical care, and temporary shelter to communities devastated by the earthquakes, while international aid organizations continue assessing the full extent of the damage.
The latest casualty figures highlight the scale of one of Venezuela’s deadliest natural disasters in recent years, with recovery and reconstruction expected to take months, if not years, as the country confronts the long-term consequences of the catastrophe.
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