Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, updated the grim statistics of the June 24 earthquakes, announcing 589 fatalities and 2,980 injuries, as confirmed by EFE's live coverage.
The updated figures mark a significant increase from prior reports, which had recorded 164 deaths and 971 injuries. The death toll surged more than threefold in just 24 hours, illustrating the catastrophic impact of the two quakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude that struck the nation merely 39 seconds apart.
On the Ground in La Guaira
Rodríguez visited Macuto in the state of La Guaira to support the search and rescue efforts amidst the rubble.
“Life comes first. We are here in Macuto, State of La Guaira, standing with our people, engaged in the search and rescue of individuals trapped under collapsed structures due to the earthquakes,” Rodríguez stated on-site.
This coastal area, about 30 kilometers from Caracas, was the hardest hit by the disaster.
Impact and Aftermath
Numerous buildings crumbled in Catia la Mar and Los Corales. The government declared these areas as "natural disaster zones."
In the chaos, reports of looting emerged in damaged stores in La Guaira and Catia la Mar.
The earthquakes' epicenter was located in the state of Yaracuy, Yumare municipality, at a depth of 10 to 13 kilometers. The US Geological Survey (USGS) identified this event as the most powerful in Venezuela since 1900, issuing a maximum-level Red Alert. Over 200 aftershocks have been recorded since.
International Response and Aid
At least 346 structures, including hospitals and malls, suffered collapse or severe damage. The government declared a national emergency, suspended classes and non-essential activities, and announced an initial $200 million fund for rebuilding.
International aid efforts began materializing as Rodríguez reported that the first foreign rescuers from the Dominican Republic were arriving. "We have requested international assistance, and the first rescuers are about to land from the Dominican Republic, with more expected from other countries and the international community," she confirmed.
El Salvador dispatched 300 rescuers, while Mexico, Brazil, and the United Nations also pledged assistance.
In a notable move, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the deployment of search and rescue teams to Venezuela. The Southern Command also mobilized military forces to aid in the relief efforts, a significant gesture given the historical tension between Washington and the government of Nicolás Maduro.
The Spanish autonomous community of Canary Islands, home to a large Venezuelan diaspora, declared three days of official mourning and set up medical clinics in the Caribbean country.
Future Concerns
The USGS warned that its probabilistic estimate system places a 42% likelihood of the final victim count reaching between 10,000 and 100,000, though this is an automatic projection rather than an actual tally.
Rodríguez concluded her message from Macuto with a sentiment reflecting the operation's ethos: “Our greatest wish, all our hope, and prayers are for the lives of Venezuelan men and women.”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Venezuela Earthquakes
How many people have been affected by the Venezuela earthquakes?
As of the latest update, there have been 589 confirmed deaths and 2,980 injuries resulting from the earthquakes.
What has been the international response to the disaster in Venezuela?
Countries like the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, Brazil, and the United Nations have pledged support and sent rescue teams. The US has also deployed search and rescue teams, with additional military support from the Southern Command.