The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 3,535, according to the latest figures released by authorities. More than a week after the powerful earthquakes hit the capital, Caracas, and nearby coastal areas, nearly 18,000 people remain homeless, while thousands more continue to recover from injuries and widespread destruction.
Senior lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said the updated official figures show that 16,740 people have been injured, while 17,854 residents have lost their homes following the earthquakes on June 24. The back-to-back quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck within seconds of each other, causing severe damage across Caracas and the coastal region of La Guaira, which was among the worst-affected areas.
The latest figures highlight the scale of the humanitarian crisis as criticism grows over the government’s response to the disaster. Venezuela’s Social Vice Presidency said around 12,800 displaced people are currently staying in 80 temporary shelters established across Caracas and La Guaira while authorities continue relief and recovery operations.
Health experts have warned that overcrowded shelters could increase the risk of disease outbreaks. Dr. Mauricio Cerpa Calderon, an adviser to the Emergency Operations Center of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), said limited ventilation, inadequate sanitation, unsafe drinking water, and poor waste management could lead to respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, skin infections, dengue, and other vaccine-preventable illnesses. Health officials are also assessing the need for targeted vaccination campaigns in temporary shelters.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez defended the government’s handling of the disaster despite growing criticism from residents and international humanitarian organizations. She said security forces were deployed immediately after the earthquakes and announced the creation of a new military emergency response unit to strengthen disaster management capabilities and improve preparedness for future emergencies.
Authorities in La Guaira continued the difficult task of burying earthquake victims as rescue and recovery efforts remained underway. The United Nations said search and rescue teams, engineering specialists, and medical support personnel are continuing operations in coordination with Venezuelan authorities. International organizations, including PAHO and the World Health Organization, have also provided body bags, refrigerated storage containers, technical assistance, and other humanitarian support to help manage the ongoing crisis.
Also read: Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Nears 2,000
