Venezuela quake death toll climbs to 3,342, over 16,700 injured
Venezuela's Communication and Information Ministry said Sunday the death toll from powerful twin earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela last month has climbed to 3,342 with more than 16,700 people injured, as international rescue teams join ongoing relief efforts amid hundreds of aftershocks.
Venezuela's Communication and Information Ministry announced on Sunday that the death toll from last month's devastating earthquakes in the country's north has risen to 3,342, with rescue teams continuing to search through the rubble of nearly 200 collapsed structures. The ministry stated 16,740 people have been injured in the disaster, while 17,345 remain homeless and 856 buildings have sustained damage — 190 of which completely collapsed.
Authorities reported that 86,794 families have received emergency assistance since the tremors struck. The displacement crisis has left thousands sheltering in temporary accommodations as officials assess the full scope of infrastructure destruction across the affected regions.
International and local relief efforts
Rescue crews have pulled 6,462 survivors from destroyed buildings, according to the ministry's latest figures. Caracas has deployed 29,567 personnel and mobilized 27,482 volunteers to coordinate relief operations, while 4,088 international rescue workers have arrived to support search-and-recovery missions in the hardest-hit areas.
The government has distributed 9,585 metric tons of food and 669,008 liters of water to affected communities. Medical teams have treated 23,820 patients since the disaster began, and officials have established 79 temporary camps to house displaced families.
Seismic activity and aftershocks
The earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on June 24, when two powerful tremors measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude hit the South American nation just 39 seconds apart, according to the US Geological Survey. The initial shocks caused widespread destruction across multiple states, triggering a sustained emergency response.
Seismic monitoring has recorded 995 aftershocks since the main quakes, complicating rescue operations and raising concerns about additional structural failures. Geological surveys indicate the region remains seismically active as authorities continue to evaluate the stability of damaged buildings.
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