Venezuela Earthquakes – Death Toll Rises as Nationwide Mourning Begins

Venezuela Earthquakes –  Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez said the powerful earthquakes that struck the country on June 24 have killed 2,595 people and left more than 12,000 injured. Officials also reported that 189 buildings were destroyed in the disaster, while rescue and relief operations continue in several affected regions.

Temporary shelters opened for displaced families

Rodriguez said the government has activated 25 temporary camps to accommodate people who lost their homes or were forced to leave unsafe buildings. Thirteen of the camps are operating in La Guaira, while eight have been established in Caracas. Two camps are located in Miranda, with one each in Carabobo and Yaracuy.

Authorities are working to provide basic facilities at the camps and relocate affected residents as quickly as possible. The temporary sites are expected to offer shelter, food, medical support and other essential services to families impacted by the earthquakes.

Emergency workers asked to join response system

As part of the recovery effort, Rodriguez called on healthcare professionals, security staff and firefighters to register through the Patria platform. The move is intended to help coordinate personnel and address the growing housing needs created by the destruction.

She also heads the command centre overseeing the establishment of temporary camps. The government has said the emergency response will focus on ensuring that displaced residents receive immediate assistance while longer-term housing arrangements are developed.

Aftershocks continue but show signs of easing

Since the first major tremors, Venezuela has recorded 782 aftershocks, according to Rodriguez. She said the number and intensity of the aftershocks have gradually declined, though authorities remain alert to possible risks in areas near the original earthquake zone.

The two strongest earthquakes, measured at magnitudes 7.5 and 7.2, struck north of Caracas last week. The tremors caused significant structural damage across several states and triggered large-scale evacuations in vulnerable areas.

Officials have said that tens of thousands of people remain unaccounted for, raising concerns that the number of casualties could increase as search teams reach more damaged locations. Emergency crews are continuing to inspect collapsed structures and search for survivors.

Seven days of national mourning declared

Rodriguez has announced seven days of national mourning in memory of those who died in the earthquakes. In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday local time, she said the mourning period would begin at 6 p.m. that day.

“In honour of the memory of the victims, I have decided to decree National Mourning for seven days,” Rodriguez said in the statement.

She expressed support for families who have lost relatives or remain uncertain about the fate of loved ones. Rodriguez said the country was facing a period of deep sorrow and that the government would continue efforts to protect and assist those affected.

Search and recovery operations remain underway

Rescue teams, firefighters, medical workers and security personnel remain deployed in the hardest-hit areas. The immediate priority is locating missing people, treating the injured and ensuring safe accommodation for those displaced by the disaster.

The government has not provided a final estimate of the total number of people affected, but the scale of the damage has placed major pressure on emergency services. Authorities have urged residents in damaged areas to follow safety instructions and avoid entering unstable buildings.