The death toll from the powerful twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela last month has risen to 4,930, according to updated figures released on Thursday by senior lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez, as rescue teams continue searching for victims beneath collapsed buildings.
The two earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck within a minute of each other on June 24, causing widespread destruction across the coastal state of La Guaira, north of the capital, Caracas. The disaster flattened homes, damaged infrastructure and left thousands of families without shelter.
Rodriguez said the number of people injured remains unchanged at 16,740. Most of those hurt have now been discharged from hospitals after receiving medical treatment, although emergency health services continue to assist those with more serious injuries.
The humanitarian crisis remains severe. Authorities reported that 17,907 people are still homeless following the disaster, while the number of residents staying in temporary shelters has increased to 21,210. Relief centres have been established to provide emergency accommodation, but many are struggling to meet growing demand.
Rescue workers, assisted by local volunteers and relatives of those still missing, continue searching through the rubble in La Guaira despite the passage of three weeks since the earthquakes. Heavy machinery and search teams remain active at several sites where buildings collapsed, hoping to recover victims and provide answers to families awaiting news of their loved ones.
Emergency officials have not indicated how many people remain unaccounted for, but search operations are continuing in areas where the destruction was most extensive.
The earthquakes caused extensive damage to residential neighbourhoods, public buildings and transport infrastructure across the affected region. Many roads were damaged, slowing relief efforts during the initial days after the disaster, although aid deliveries have since increased.
Thousands of displaced residents continue to face difficult living conditions in temporary camps. Many shelters are overcrowded and lack reliable access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities, raising concerns about public health as relief agencies work to improve conditions.
Government authorities and humanitarian organisations are continuing to provide food, medical supplies and other essential assistance to affected communities. Officials have said recovery and rebuilding efforts are expected to take months because of the scale of the destruction.
The updated casualty figures highlight the devastating impact of one of Venezuela’s deadliest natural disasters in recent years. With rescue operations still underway and thousands of people displaced, authorities remain focused on emergency relief while planning the long-term reconstruction of communities heavily damaged by the earthquakes.
