Venezuela earthquake death toll hits 3,535 as recovery continues

National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced on Monday that the death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has climbed to 3,535, with nearly 17,000 people injured and thousands displaced since the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 tremors struck on June 24. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez inspected the damaged Maiquetia facility on Monday and ordered officials to expedite restoration of commercial flights as recovery operations entered their third week. The disaster has left 17,854 people homeless and damaged more than 850 buildings across the Caribbean nation, according to official tallies released on Telegram.

Human toll and destruction

Rodriguez said in a Telegram post that 17,854 people remain homeless alongside nearly 18,000 others displaced by the disaster, while rescue teams have pulled approximately 6,500 survivors from the rubble since the back-to-back seismic events. Authorities confirmed that 190 buildings collapsed completely and over 850 structures sustained damage during the tremors. Opposition groups said more than 30,000 people remain unaccounted for, though this figure has not been independently verified by government agencies.

Infrastructure damage and relief efforts

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez told reporters at the damaged Maiquetia airport on Monday that she had ordered the restoration of commercial flights via a parallel runway "as soon as possible and according to an operational restart schedule." The facility, formally known as Simon Bolivar International Airport, suffered severe structural damage that has halted international traffic and complicated aid deliveries. Rescue teams continue combing worst-hit areas including La Guaira state, where residents have criticized delays in efforts and fuel shortages that have hampered recovery operations.

During Independence Day observances on Sunday, Rodriguez renewed appeals for Washington to lift sanctions, stating that Caracas requires greater access to international financing to accelerate reconstruction. The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck on June 24, causing widespread devastation across the South American nation and disrupting critical infrastructure including the main gateway for international air travel.