Venezuela quake toll nears 4,000 as recovery efforts continue

Death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela two weeks ago has climbed to 3,889, according to the latest official figures released by the government on Thursday.

Authorities said nearly 17,000 people sustained injuries in the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that rocked the country on June 24, while close to 18,000 residents were displaced after losing their homes.

A report released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez and shared via Telegram showed that the number of fatalities had increased from 3,811 to 3,889.

In response to the humanitarian crisis, interim leader Delcy Rodriguez on Wednesday appealed for the release of Venezuelan assets frozen overseas to support relief and reconstruction efforts.

The United Nations is also seeking to mobilise approximately $300 million to assist Venezuela’s recovery, while the government is holding discussions with the International Monetary Fund, IMF, over the release of its financial assets, according to IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack.

The coastal state of La Guaira, one of the areas worst affected by the disaster, recorded extensive destruction, with more than 800 buildings damaged and 190 structures completely reduced to rubble.

Although emergency responders have largely scaled down search-and-rescue operations two weeks after the earthquakes, many families continue searching for missing relatives.

Among them is Ciro Ocando, who believes he has identified the location where his two teenage sons are buried beneath the debris in Playa Grande, La Guaira.

Having accepted that the chances of finding them alive are virtually impossible, Ocando said his only wish now is to recover the bodies of his 13-year-old and 18-year-old sons.