The human cost of Venezuela’s twin earthquakes continues to rise, with authorities confirming 3,535 deaths on Monday and nearly 18,000 people left homeless more than a week after the catastrophic tremors struck Caracas and the nearby coastal state of La Guaira.
Top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said the latest figures show 16,740 people injured and 17,854 displaced, underscoring the immense scale of destruction caused by the June 24 quakes, which measured magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 and hit within seconds of each other. The mounting toll has intensified criticism of the government’s response as communities struggle with loss, trauma and a shortage of basic services.
Officials said at least 12,800 survivors are sheltering in 80 emergency centres across Caracas and La Guaira. In the coastal region, Reuters witnesses saw trucks and forensic teams transporting coffins, while heavy machinery carved trenches into an open field marked with white crosses a site authorities are using for mass burials. Photos published by El País showed some graves bearing names, others only numbers.
To help manage the overwhelming influx of casualties, the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization have provided technical guidelines, body bags and three refrigerated containers at the port of La Guaira, along with support for two crematoriums in other locations.
The United Nations said it is scaling up aid operations in coordination with the Venezuelan government. “Some search and rescue teams remain deployed in the affected areas, while other specialized engineering teams and medical support continue to arrive,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters.
As the country confronts one of the deadliest natural disasters in its history, the pressure is mounting for faster relief, clearer communication and long‑term recovery plans that can meet the needs of tens of thousands of shattered families.
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