The Venezuelan government's official report on Wednesday raised the number of confirmed deaths to 3,811 following the earthquakes that struck the country two weeks ago. Meanwhile, the number of injured remains at 16,740, as reported by EFE news agency.
The earthquakes, which occurred on June 24 with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 in the Carabobo and Yaracuy states, are the most powerful recorded in Venezuela since 1900, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Since the initial report of 32 fatalities on June 25, the death toll has steadily increased to the current figure of 3,811.
The official update also notes that 6,462 people have been rescued alive, 17,907 are left homeless, and 86,794 families have been accommodated in camps and shelters.
Regarding structural damages, the report lists 190 buildings as collapsed and 856 as damaged, with a total of 1,102 aftershocks recorded since the initial double quake.
The emergency response involved mobilizing 30,076 personnel and 28,992 volunteers, supplemented by 4,388 international rescuers from 31 countries.
In terms of humanitarian aid, 9,603 tons of food and over 9.6 million liters of water have been distributed, with 87 temporary camps set up for those affected by the disaster.
The tragedy has international implications. Spain confirmed at least 34 deaths and 140 missing among its nationals; Portugal reported 53 dead and 86 missing; Colombia reported 24 deaths; and Argentina, six fatalities.
Among the casualties were Cuban citizens: on June 29, a family of six was found dead under the rubble of the Oasis Beach and Resjurel buildings in Playa Grande, and at least 20 Cubans living in the coastal area remain missing.
One of the most notable rescues was that of Hernán Gil, a 43-year-old security guard, who was pulled out alive on July 2 after being trapped for 184 hours beneath the ruins of the Galerías Playa Grande shopping center in Catia La Mar, La Guaira.
"Not even a nail was crushed," Gil remarked after his rescue, which was coordinated by Chilean firefighters with the assistance of around 100 specialists from 10 countries.
Nevertheless, there is a significant discrepancy between official figures and international estimates. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimated up to 50,000 people missing after the earthquakes, a number described as "terrifyingly plausible" by Deputy Secretary-General Tom Fletcher.
The USGS has issued a Red Alert, estimating with a 42% probability that the death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000.
The Nicolás Maduro regime, represented by acting president Delcy Rodríguez, has refused to release estimates on the number of missing persons, leading to growing mistrust among international organizations and the victims' families.
The citizen platform "Encuéntralos" recorded 71,203 people missing as of June 29, a number far exceeding any officially acknowledged data to date.
Key Information on Venezuelan Earthquakes
What was the magnitude of the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring in the states of Carabobo and Yaracuy.
How many people have been reported injured due to the earthquakes?
The number of injured individuals stands at 16,740 according to the latest official reports.
What are the international implications of the Venezuelan earthquakes?
Countries including Spain, Portugal, Colombia, and Argentina have reported nationals among the deceased and missing, highlighting the international impact of the disaster.