Death Toll from Venezuela Earthquake Rises to 4,118 as Rescue Efforts Continue

Caracas, July 11: The death toll from the earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 4,118, with debris removal operations ongoing in the most affected areas.

According to an update from Jorge Rodriguez, President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, the number of injured remains at 16,740. The Xinhua news agency reports that a total of 6,462 people have been rescued.

The update indicates that 86,794 families have received assistance, while 17,266 individuals are currently residing in 89 temporary camps across the country. Additionally, 17,907 people have become homeless due to the destruction of their homes.

Nationwide, 30,076 individuals, including 29,843 volunteers and 3,454 international rescue teams, are deployed as rescue operations continue. The update also noted that Venezuela has experienced 1,171 aftershocks since the two major earthquakes.

Meanwhile, Venezuela’s acting President, Delcy Rodriguez, expressed gratitude for humanitarian aid received from 28 countries to assist the earthquake victims.

She made this statement after inspecting a relief material collection center in Caracas, where over 2,000 tons of international aid is being sorted and organized for distribution to temporary relief camps established for the victims.

Rodriguez stated, “Venezuela never tires of thanking the countries, the people of the world, and the governments that have offered help. Each country will be able to see how their assistance is being utilized, so the people of Venezuela can feel the friendly support from that country.”

She added, “Thanks to the international response to this tragedy, Venezuela knows it is not alone. The most important thing is to look to the future, to how we will recover and rebuild the affected areas.”

Earlier reports indicated that 17,345 people had also become homeless. Authorities have established several temporary camps to assist the homeless and affected individuals.

The acting President declared a seven-day national mourning last week to honor the victims of the powerful earthquake that struck the country on June 24.

Rodriguez announced on social media, “In memory of the victims, I have decided to declare seven (7) days of national mourning starting from 6:00 PM today.”

She stated, “In these moments of great sorrow, we embrace those who are suffering from this tragic event and reaffirm our promise to stand by and protect them.”