Venezuela – Earthquake Death Toll Climbs as Relief Efforts Expand
Venezuela – Venezuela earthquake relief operations continue as authorities respond to widespread damage, displacement and urgent medical needs following the powerful tremors that struck the country on June 24 –
The number of people confirmed dead in Venezuela’s twin earthquakes has risen to 3,535, while 16,740 others have been injured, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez. The two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck the country on June 24 and caused extensive destruction in several affected areas.
Thousands Remain Without Homes
Rodriguez said 17,854 people are still homeless as authorities work to provide temporary shelter and essential supplies. He is also leading the command centre responsible for establishing emergency camps for people displaced by the disaster.
An earlier official assessment had put the number of displaced people at 17,345. Authorities have since set up 80 temporary camps to accommodate families who cannot return to their homes because of damage or safety concerns.
The government has also reported that 6,462 people have been rescued since the earthquakes. Assistance, including food, shelter materials and medical support, has reached 86,794 families, according to the latest update.
Aftershocks Keep Communities on Edge
Venezuela has recorded 995 aftershocks since the main earthquakes, with the figure updated through Sunday. The continuing seismic activity has added to concerns among residents in affected regions, where many people remain outside damaged buildings or in temporary accommodation.
Search and rescue teams are continuing operations in areas where structures collapsed or were badly damaged. Officials said 29,567 rescuers remain deployed, including 3,281 personnel from other countries who have joined the emergency response.
Authorities have not provided a clear updated figure for people still missing, though earlier reports indicated that tens of thousands could not immediately be accounted for in the aftermath of the disaster. Rescue teams are working through debris and reaching isolated communities as assessments continue.
Seven Days of National Mourning Declared
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced seven days of national mourning in memory of those who died in the earthquakes. The mourning period began at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, according to a statement shared on social media.
“In honour of the memory of the victims, I have decided to decree National Mourning for seven days,” she said.
Rodriguez said the country was grieving the scale of the losses and pledged continued support for people affected by the tragedy. She said the government would remain focused on protecting survivors and helping communities recover from the destruction.
Indian Medical Teams Support Survivors
India has also extended humanitarian assistance to Venezuela through Operation Amistad, which was launched after the twin earthquakes caused heavy casualties and widespread damage.
Indian medical teams are providing treatment and emergency care through an Indian Army Field Hospital deployed in the affected region. The Ministry of External Affairs shared videos on X showing survivors and family members thanking the medical staff for their support.
One woman whose son was receiving treatment at the field hospital expressed appreciation for the care provided by the Indian doctors and medical personnel. The hospital has been assisting injured survivors as local health facilities face pressure from the large number of people requiring treatment.
Relief operations are expected to continue as Venezuelan authorities, international rescue teams and humanitarian groups work to locate missing people, support displaced families and restore essential services in the earthquake-hit areas.