Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 5,069 as reconstruction begins
The death toll from Venezuela’s twin earthquakes on 24 June has risen to 5,069, with 16,740 people injured. Authorities say more than 128,000 families have received assistance as reconstruction efforts continue.
- Death toll from the 24 June earthquakes has risen to 5,069, with 16,740 injured.
- More than 128,000 families have received assistance, while nearly 18,000 people remain without permanent housing.
- Venezuela has accessed US$346 million from the IMF for reconstruction and recovery efforts.
The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24 June has risen to 5,069, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez.
Rodriguez said on 17 July that 16,740 people were injured in the disaster.
The number of injured remained unchanged from previous official updates, with authorities stating that most patients had already been discharged from hospital.
The earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck within a minute of each other and caused widespread destruction across parts of the South American nation.
Thousands remain displaced
According to Rodriguez, authorities have assisted 128,324 families affected by the disaster.
A total of 106 temporary camps have been established, housing 21,235 people.
Despite ongoing relief efforts, 17,907 people remain without permanent housing.
Officials said approximately 20,000 displaced residents are living in temporary camps, many of which face shortages of water and adequate sanitation facilities.
Buildings destroyed and damaged
The earthquakes caused extensive structural damage across affected areas.
According to official figures, 856 buildings were damaged, including 190 structures that collapsed.
The coastal state of La Guaira, located north of the capital Caracas, was among the hardest-hit areas after the powerful tremors struck.
Emergency crews and local authorities have continued recovery operations while assessing damage to homes, infrastructure and public facilities.
IMF funds released for reconstruction
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced on 17 July that Venezuela had accessed US$346 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support reconstruction efforts.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva confirmed the release of the funds, stating on social media platform X that the institution had worked with counterparts to help Venezuela access its resources at the Fund for urgent humanitarian needs.
Georgieva said the money was drawn from Venezuela’s reserve tranche at the IMF.
The funding is expected to support rebuilding projects and humanitarian assistance for communities affected by the disaster.
Recovery efforts continue
Authorities said reconstruction and relief operations remain ongoing as the country works to recover from one of its deadliest natural disasters in recent years.
Thousands of families remain displaced, while damaged infrastructure and housing continue to pose challenges for recovery efforts.
Officials have not indicated when all displaced residents are expected to be rehoused.
