Interim President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, has announced a seven-day period of national mourning to honor the victims of the catastrophic earthquakes that struck on June 24. These tragic events have resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries, with tens of thousands still missing.
This period of mourning will commence at 6:00 p.m. on July 2, during which the national flag will be flown at half-staff across all public buildings and military units nationwide.
"Venezuela is heartbroken over the human losses caused by these devastating earthquakes. Today, we stand in solidarity with the families mourning their loved ones and offer prayers for the injured, the missing, and the affected communities," Rodríguez stated in her announcement on social media.
Impact of the Twin Earthquakes
The national mourning comes a week after the double earthquakes that shook northern Venezuela on June 24. The tremors, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, struck just 39 seconds apart near San Felipe and were felt throughout much of the Caribbean.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) identified the second quake as the strongest in Venezuela since 1900, issuing a Red Alert due to its potential human impact. The USGS estimates a 42% chance that the final death toll could range from 10,000 to 100,000 people.
Current Casualty Figures
The official figures continue to rise. On Wednesday, Jorge Rodríguez, President of the National Assembly, reported that the death toll had reached 2,295. Additionally, the number of injured stands at 11,267, with 12,841 people displaced.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that up to 50,000 individuals might be missing, while the citizen platform Encuéntralos recorded between 55,000 and 60,000 unaccounted for in the initial days following the disaster.
Response and Recovery Efforts
Prior to declaring the national mourning, Delcy Rodríguez visited the hardest-hit areas in La Guaira state, where she confirmed that emergency teams were actively searching in eight locations for potential survivors.
"We are continuing our efforts. Currently, we have eight active sites where there is a possibility of finding people alive. Both national and international rescuers are engaged, alongside the healthcare system, to save lives as quickly as possible," she stated.
Rodríguez also announced psychological support programs for affected children and an expedited plan for constructing temporary housing for families who lost their homes.
International Aid and Damages
La Guaira remains the most severely affected area and has been officially declared a disaster zone. According to official reports, over 63,000 buildings sustained damage, with 434 collapsing entirely and another 750 suffering severe structural damage.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) estimated the direct damage from the earthquakes at approximately $6.7 billion, representing nearly 6% of Venezuela's GDP.
The international community has responded robustly. More than 30 countries have sent rescue teams, specialized personnel, and humanitarian aid, while the United States has pledged an assistance package worth $150 million to support response and recovery efforts.
Understanding the Venezuela Earthquake Crisis
What actions has Delcy Rodríguez taken in response to the earthquakes?
Delcy Rodríguez declared a seven-day national mourning period, visited affected areas, and initiated psychological support and temporary housing programs for victims.
How significant were the earthquakes in Venezuela on June 24?
The earthquakes were of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, marking them as the strongest since 1900, with potential death tolls estimated between 10,000 and 100,000 by the USGS.
What has been the international community's response to the Venezuelan earthquakes?
More than 30 countries have provided rescue teams and humanitarian aid, while the United States has offered a $150 million assistance package.