On Saturday, Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated the death toll of Spanish citizens to 34, following the devastating dual earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on June 24. This marks an increase of two deaths from the previous day's figures. Additionally, 140 Spaniards remain unaccounted for, with 11 still trapped beneath the rubble.
The number of missing persons has decreased since the prior day when the ministry reported 155 individuals were unlocated.
Spanish authorities have reiterated that emergency consular lines are active and can be accessed through official channels of both the Ministry and the Embassy in Caracas. They urge Spanish citizens in Venezuela to utilize these resources.
Devastation in Venezuela
The two earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and occurring just 39 seconds apart, rattled northern Venezuela. The epicenter was located in Yaracuy state, causing unprecedented destruction in La Guaira, the most affected coastal area. Here, 158 of the 189 buildings with total collapse recorded nationwide were located.
According to the latest official figures from the Venezuelan government, the earthquakes have claimed at least 2,954 lives. Approximately 15,050 people have lost their homes, and 86,117 families have received assistance.
International Impact and Response
Spain tops the list of countries with the highest confirmed foreign casualties.
Portugal reported 53 deaths and at least 86 missing individuals as of June 30. Colombia announced 24 of its nationals have died; Argentina reported six fatalities; and Brazil, Chile, Italy, and Cuba also confirmed casualties and missing persons among their citizens.
Among the Cuban victims, a family of six led by Yadina de la Caridad Yáñez Linares, a well-known cycling instructor known as "Yadina the Cuban," was found dead on June 29 under the debris in La Guaira. At least 32 Cubans remain missing.
In response to the humanitarian crisis, Spain dispatched a field hospital from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), equipped with surgical facilities and up to 20 beds. The operation of this facility was confirmed on Friday by Minister José Manuel Albares. Additionally, Madrid has mobilized one million euros in emergency aid.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Rescue operations continue more than ten days after the quakes, involving approximately 3,000 personnel from 33 countries, according to the United Nations.
The most notable rescue was that of Hernán Gil, a 43-year-old Venezuelan, who was pulled out alive after being buried for eight days in Catia La Mar, in a 72-hour operation involving nearly 100 rescuers from ten countries. On Friday, a 70-year-old woman was rescued alive after being trapped for nine days under concrete.
This pair of earthquakes is considered the most severe in Venezuela in over a century, with the UN estimating up to 50,000 individuals missing and over 6.76 million affected across the nation.
FAQs on the Venezuela Earthquake Crisis
How many Spanish citizens have died due to the earthquakes in Venezuela?
As of the latest update, 34 Spanish nationals have died due to the earthquakes in Venezuela.
What is the total estimated number of people affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The United Nations estimates that over 6.76 million people have been affected by the earthquakes across Venezuela.
Which countries have reported casualties among their citizens?
Countries such as Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Italy, and Cuba have reported casualties among their nationals.