The grim tally of casualties from the twin earthquakes that rocked Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24, continues to rise. As of Saturday, officials have confirmed that 1,430 people have lost their lives, while over 54,000 remain unaccounted for.
Jorge Rodríguez, the President of the National Assembly, announced the updated figures, which underscore the disaster's severity: 3,238 individuals injured, 3,142 families housed in temporary shelters, and more than 12,000 medical services rendered in the affected areas.
Devastation in Coastal Regions
The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude on the Richter scale, struck just 39 seconds apart in the afternoon, with the epicenter located in northern San Felipe, Yaracuy state. The coastal areas bore the brunt of the destruction, with La Guaira state declared a disaster zone, over 100 buildings collapsed, and severe damage inflicted on Maiquetía International Airport.
Rising Death Toll
The number of casualties has surged rapidly since the initial official report. On Thursday, June 25, 164 deaths were reported, which rose to 920 by Friday night, and surpassed 1,400 by Saturday.
The citizen platform Encuéntralos, which unofficially tracks reports of missing persons, had recorded 54,973 missing men and women by midday Saturday. Meanwhile, the United Nations estimates up to 50,000 missing and reports that 6.76 million people have been impacted by the catastrophe.
Challenges in Rescue Operations
Rescue efforts encountered new hurdles on Saturday due to a 4.9-magnitude aftershock, along with two smaller tremors of 3.8 and 3.0 magnitude recorded earlier in the morning. Since Wednesday, at least 30 aftershocks have been registered.
International Aid and Missing Foreign Nationals
The international response has been extensive, with 25 rescue teams from 17 countries operating in the affected zones. The United States has pledged $150 million in aid. Among confirmed foreign casualties are 28 Portuguese, seven Chinese, and five Spaniards, with 119 Spanish citizens still missing.
At least 32 Cubans remain unaccounted for following the earthquakes, primarily in the areas of Caraballeda, Catia La Mar, and Los Corales in La Guaira state. Search efforts for missing Cubans in Venezuela continue actively this Saturday.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) issued a Red Alert following the earthquakes, estimating with a 42% probability that the total death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000, offering a probabilistic forecast that contrasts with the ongoing official count.
Frequently Asked Questions about Venezuela Earthquakes
What was the magnitude of the earthquakes that hit Venezuela?
The earthquakes that struck Venezuela had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale.
How many people are still missing following the earthquakes in Venezuela?
Over 54,000 people remain unaccounted for, with citizen platform Encuéntralos reporting 54,973 missing individuals.
How has the international community responded to the disaster in Venezuela?
The international community has responded with 25 rescue teams from 17 countries, and the United States has announced $150 million in aid.