Plus de 5.100 morts après le tremblement de terre au Venezuela

Over 5,100 dead after earthquakes in Venezuela Venezuela’s death toll from the devastating double earthquake has surpassed 5,100, according to official figures released by Parliament President Jorge Rodriguez via Telegram. The number of confirmed fatalities climbed to 5,119 since the disaster struck three weeks ago. The two quakes, measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, shook the country on June 24, occurring just 39 seconds apart. They caused widespread destruction, with the worst damage concentrated in La Guaira state, located near the capital, Caracas. Rescue workers continue to recover bodies from collapsed buildings in the area, particularly in the namesake port city of La Guaira. The initial tremors hit early Saturday morning, triggering panic among residents and causing infrastructure failures across the nation. Emergency services were overwhelmed, with many areas lacking access to basic necessities such as water and electricity. In the days following the quake, international aid organizations began sending supplies, though logistical challenges persisted due to damaged roads and limited transportation options. Despite these obstacles, relief efforts have focused on providing shelter, medical care, and food to affected communities. According to reports, the number of injured individuals has remained unchanged at 16,740. Authorities have yet to release an updated count of missing persons, although United Nations estimates suggest the figure could reach up to 50,000. This discrepancy highlights ongoing difficulties in assessing the full scale of the crisis. Local officials have acknowledged the challenge of accounting for all victims, citing the vast number of displaced people and the extensive damage to residential and commercial structures. La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit regions, continues to face severe conditions. The port city, which serves as a critical economic hub, saw numerous buildings collapse, including homes, schools, and public facilities. Survivors describe scenes of devastation, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. Search-and-rescue teams operate under difficult circumstances, often working in unstable environments with limited resources. The government has deployed military personnel to assist in recovery operations, but many families remain stranded without access to essential services. International attention has grown as the situation worsens. Humanitarian agencies have called for increased support, emphasizing the urgent need for clean water, medical supplies, and temporary housing. Some foreign governments have pledged financial assistance, while others have sent emergency crews to help with search operations. However, political tensions within Venezuela have complicated coordination efforts, with some critics accusing authorities of downplaying the severity of the crisis. As the recovery process begins, the focus shifts toward long-term rebuilding and addressing the underlying vulnerabilities that contributed to the disaster's impact. Experts warn that Venezuela’s already fragile infrastructure, combined with years of economic hardship and resource shortages, left the population more susceptible to the effects of the earthquakes. With over 5,100 confirmed deaths and thousands still missing, the tragedy underscores the deepening humanitarian crisis facing the country. The coming months will determine how effectively Venezuela can respond to this unprecedented disaster.