Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 4,000 Amid Ongoing Relief Efforts
Update on Venezuela's Earthquake Crisis
Photo: @Grouse_Beater/X
Caracas, July 11: The toll from the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has tragically increased to 4,118, as rescue teams continue their efforts to clear debris in the most affected regions, according to local authorities.
Injuries have been reported at 16,740, as per the latest update from Jorge Rodriguez, President of the Venezuelan National Assembly. Rescue operations have successfully saved 6,462 individuals, as reported by a news agency.
Assistance has reached 86,794 families, with 17,266 individuals currently residing in 89 temporary shelters throughout the nation. Additionally, 17,907 people have been rendered homeless due to the destruction of their residences.
Relief operations are ongoing, involving 30,076 personnel, including 29,843 volunteers and 3,454 international rescuers deployed nationwide.
Since the initial earthquakes, Venezuela has experienced 1,171 aftershocks, as noted in the update.
In a related development, acting President Delcy Rodriguez expressed her appreciation for the humanitarian support received from 28 nations aimed at aiding the earthquake victims.
During her visit to a collection center in Caracas, where over 2,000 tonnes of international aid are being organized for distribution to temporary shelters, she stated, "Venezuela is grateful to the countries and peoples of the world that have extended their support."
Rodriguez emphasized that each contributing nation would be able to observe how their aid is being utilized, ensuring that the Venezuelan populace feels the solidarity of the international community.
She remarked, "The most crucial aspect is to focus on the future, on how we will recover and rebuild the affected regions."
Earlier reports indicated that 17,345 individuals have also been displaced due to the disaster.
Authorities have established numerous temporary shelters to assist those displaced and affected by the earthquakes.
In remembrance of the victims, Venezuela's acting president declared a week of national mourning last week, honoring those lost in the devastating earthquakes.
"To honor the memory of the victims, I have decided to declare National Mourning for seven days, commencing at 6:00 p.m. today," Rodriguez announced via social media.