Venezuela’s twin earthquakes have claimed 3,535 lives, while rescue teams continue searching for survivors across the country’s worst-hit areas. Nearly 17,000 people were injured and about 18,000 remain displaced after the powerful earthquakes struck on June 24. The disaster has caused widespread destruction and strained recovery efforts nationwide.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said nearly 6,500 people have been rescued since the twin earthquakes. He added that 17,854 people remain homeless following the disaster. Authorities said the back-to-back magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes damaged more than 850 buildings and severely disrupted operations at Venezuela’s main international airport.
Read more: Venezuela earthquakes death toll climbs to 2,645
Officials confirmed that at least 190 buildings collapsed during the disaster. Meanwhile, an opposition-backed assessment estimated that more than 30,000 people are still unaccounted for. Rescue workers continue operations in heavily affected areas, particularly La Guaira state, where residents have complained about delays in rescue efforts and fuel shortages slowing recovery.
During an inspection of the damaged Maiquetia International Airport, acting President Delcy Rodriguez ordered authorities to restore commercial flights through a parallel runway as soon as operationally possible. The government said reopening air services remains a priority to support relief operations and reconnect affected regions.
Read more: Venezuela earthquakes death toll rises above 2,600
Speaking during Independence Day events, Rodriguez again urged the United States to lift sanctions on Venezuela. She said greater access to international financing would help accelerate reconstruction and strengthen the country’s recovery following one of its deadliest natural disasters in recent history.