How many deaths are due to the earthquakes in Venezuela?

Venezuela continues to grapple with the aftermath of two powerful earthquakes that struck on Wednesday, June 24, around 6 p.m., causing widespread devastation. The situation has escalated dramatically as officials have released updated casualty figures. According to Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the National Assembly, the death toll has risen to 1,450 people, an increase of 20 from the previous day’s count. This figure includes 3,150 injured individuals and over 12,721 people affected by the disaster. The most severely impacted area was La Guaira, a coastal town located approximately 40 kilometers from Caracas. The region resembles a war zone, with numerous buildings collapsing like card houses, leaving behind mountains of rubble and sand. International rescue teams have been working alongside local efforts to search for survivors, though frustrations among residents continue to grow due to the slow and insufficient government response. Rescue workers equipped with trained dogs move through the ruins while U.S. military aircraft such as the Osprey V-22 hover overhead. As of Sunday, June 28, at midday, 33 survivors had been found beneath the debris following the twin earthquakes that shook the central coast of the country. These survivors were identified thanks to coordinated efforts between national security agencies and international commissions that have arrived in the country. Delcy Rodríguez, acting president of Venezuela, personally inspected the logistics and distribution of supplies and food for the victims of the tragedy. She emphasized the possibility of finding more survivors during this critical period. “We are in the crucial hours to save lives,” she said during a meeting with Venezuelan rescue teams, adding that those not directly involved in rescue operations were praying for the discovery of more living individuals. The United Nations estimates that the earthquakes could result in nearly seven million people being affected, with material damages amounting to $6.7 billion—equivalent to six percent of Venezuela's gross domestic product. Delcy Rodríguez stated that 24 countries have sent over 2,700 rescuers and 521 tons of humanitarian aid. Additionally, there are 86 foreign units equipped with trained dogs to locate survivors under the rubble. In some areas, the decomposition of bodies has made it difficult to hold traditional funerals. This challenge adds another layer of complexity to the already overwhelming crisis faced by the population. As the days pass since the initial tremors, the hope of finding additional survivors diminishes, particularly after more than 90 hours have passed since the first earthquake struck. The number of fatalities is likely to rise further as the search continues. Efforts to provide assistance and support to the affected communities remain ongoing, but the scale of destruction and the challenges posed by the slow governmental response continue to raise concerns about the future of recovery efforts in the region. International cooperation remains vital in addressing the immediate needs of the population and ensuring that all possible measures are taken to minimize the loss of life and reduce suffering.