Venezuela earthquake death toll surpasses 6,100 as thousands remain missing

The death toll from the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June has risen to 6,125, according to updated figures released by senior lawmaker Jorge Rodríguez on Monday.

The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, hit the South American nation on June 24, leaving widespread destruction and triggering one of the country’s worst natural disasters in recent history.

The latest casualty figure represents an increase from the previously reported 5,546 deaths. Authorities also disclosed that nearly 61,000 injured victims have received medical treatment since the disaster.

Despite ongoing rescue efforts, thousands of people remain unaccounted for. Unofficial estimates place the number of missing persons between 17,000 and 29,500, raising concerns that the death toll could continue to climb.

The coastal state of La Guaira suffered the worst damage, with nearly 200 buildings collapsing as a result of the powerful tremors. 

Officials have also declared more than 16,200 structures unsafe, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes and seek refuge in temporary shelters across La Guaira and the capital city, Caracas.

Authorities reported that approximately 350,000 tonnes of rubble have been cleared so far, accounting for about 16.5 per cent of the estimated 2.1 million tonnes of debris generated by the disaster.

In response to the growing housing crisis, Venezuela’s lawmakers recently approved legislation aimed at making it easier for earthquake victims to secure rental accommodation. 

The measure repeals previous restrictions on property rentals and is expected to provide relief for displaced families.

Meanwhile, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has defended the government’s response to the disaster amid criticism that emergency services arrived late to affected communities and failed to rescue some victims trapped beneath collapsed buildings in time.

The administration has continued to reject allegations of a slow response, insisting that authorities have worked tirelessly to support survivors and coordinate recovery efforts as the country struggles to rebuild from the catastrophe.