Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 5,069

The death toll from the catastrophic earthquake that hit Venezuela last June has risen to 5,069. Additionally, more than 21,000 people remain in displacement camps. “According to the data, 5,069 people died, 16,740 were injured, and 6,462 people were rescued,” stated an official Venezuelan Government announcement published by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez. The Venezuelan Government also reported that 17,907 citizens are still homeless and 21,210 people are currently residing in 107 temporary shelters. The earthquake caused damage to 856 buildings, with 190 of them reported to have completely collapsed. To support the emergency response and recovery process, 2,278 international rescue personnel were deployed alongside 30,989 personnel from various government agencies and 31,745 volunteers. On 24 June, Venezuela was rocked by two earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, which occurred just 39 seconds apart. Following the disaster, the Venezuelan Government declared a state of emergency, while the international community sent rescue teams and humanitarian aid to support the handling and recovery process in the country. Venezuela’s interim President, Delcy Rodriguez, had called for the release of Venezuelan funds frozen abroad to help the country overcome the disaster. She revealed that she had sent a letter to King Charles III of the United Kingdom requesting the release of approximately 30 tonnes of gold reserves frozen due to sanctions imposed by London authorities. The United Nations estimates that around 50,000 people went missing after the earthquake, with hundreds of buildings collapsing and trapping people under the rubble.