Death Toll from Dual Earthquake in Venezuela Surges to 2,645

The official death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 continues to rise. On Friday, the Ministry of Popular Power for Communication and Information updated the number of fatalities to 2,645, alongside 12,666 injured and 6,462 individuals rescued.

More than a week after the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors hit the coastal area of La Guaira, north of Caracas, authorities have also reported that 86,117 families have received aid, and 15,050 people remain without proper housing.

The structural damage is extensive, with 885 buildings affected, 189 of which have completely collapsed, and there have been 890 aftershocks since the initial quake.

The emergency response has involved the deployment of 29,567 personnel, including 3,305 international rescuers and 25,846 volunteers, who have provided care to 20,909 patients since the crisis began.

Humanitarian Aid and Ongoing Challenges

In terms of humanitarian assistance, the official report highlights the distribution of 9,486 tons of food, 78,478 food bags, and 453,326 liters of water. Additionally, 59 temporary camps have been set up for those who have lost their homes.

Thousands remain missing under the rubble of collapsed residential complexes, primarily in La Guaira. The United Nations estimates this figure could reach 50,000, far exceeding the official numbers released by the regime of Delcy Rodríguez.

Among the foreign victims, Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that 32 Spanish citizens have died, with 142 missing and 11 still trapped beneath debris.

Impact on the Cuban Community

The Cuban community in Venezuela has also suffered greatly. On June 29, a Cuban family of six was found dead under the ruins of the Oasis Beach and Resjurel buildings in Playa Grande. Additionally, at least 20 Cuban residents from the coastal area have been reported missing.

However, the Cuban regime declared on June 27 that it had no "official confirmation" of Cuban nationals being injured, dead, or missing, contradicting the accounts of numerous families searching for their loved ones.

The death toll has steadily increased from the 164 reported on June 25 to the current 2,645, raising questions about the Venezuelan government's transparency in handling information as rescue efforts continue.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) initially estimated a 42% probability that the final death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000. This projection starkly contrasts with the official data from Caracas, fueling suspicions about the true extent of the disaster.