Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 3,342; UN Estimates USD 6.7 Billion in Losses

According to Lianhe Zaobao citing AFP, Venezuela said the death toll from the June 24 earthquakes has risen to 3,342, with 16,740 injured, as authorities began burying hundreds of bodies that remained unidentified 11 days after the disaster. Officials said on Sunday, July 5, that 6,462 people had been rescued and 17,345 displaced. Since the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude quakes, Venezuela has recorded 995 aftershocks, with La Guaira state—adjacent to Caracas—among the hardest hit. Nearly 200 buildings fully collapsed, and more than 17,000 people were left homeless and are staying in shelters and temporary camps. The government has not released a missing-persons figure, but the United Nations estimated up to 50,000 people could be unaccounted for. Interim President Rodriguez defended the government’s response in a speech marking Venezuela’s 215th Independence anniversary, saying she immediately deployed security forces and announced the creation of a new military unit to assist with emergencies and disasters. The UN estimated earthquake losses at as much as USD 6.7 billion, or about 6% of Venezuela’s GDP. Caracas’ damaged international airport has yet to resume commercial flights.