Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 6,125 as thousands remain missing

The death toll from the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June has risen to 6,125, according to updated figures released on Monday by senior lawmaker Jorge Rodríguez.

 

The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck the South American nation on June 24, causing widespread destruction and marking one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters in recent history.

 

The latest figures represent an increase from the previously reported 5,546 deaths. Authorities also said nearly 61,000 injured people have received medical treatment since the disaster.

 

Despite ongoing search and rescue operations, thousands remain unaccounted for. Unofficial estimates put the number of missing persons at between 17,000 and 29,500, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.

 

The coastal state of La Guaira suffered the heaviest damage, with nearly 200 buildings collapsing during the earthquakes.

 

Officials also declared more than 16,200 buildings unsafe, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate to temporary shelters in La Guaira and the capital, Caracas.

 

Authorities said about 350,000 tonnes of debris have been cleared, representing roughly 16.5 per cent of the estimated 2.1 million tonnes of rubble generated by the disaster.

 

To address the housing crisis, Venezuela’s lawmakers recently approved legislation aimed at easing access to rental accommodation for earthquake victims by repealing previous restrictions on property rentals.

 

Meanwhile, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez defended the government’s response amid criticism that emergency services were slow to reach some affected communities and failed to rescue certain victims trapped beneath collapsed buildings in time.

 

The government has rejected the allegations, insisting that authorities have worked tirelessly to support survivors and coordinate recovery efforts as the country continues to rebuild.