Death toll from Venezuela earthquake rises to 2,600
The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Venezuela continues to rise at an alarming rate. One week after the devastating disaster, the number of fatalities has reached 2,595, while at least 12,400 people have been injured.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday (July 2), Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, confirmed the latest figures. The report was published on Friday (July 3) by the Anadolu Agency.
President Rodríguez said, "We are releasing the casualty figures based on completely accurate and verified information. The list has been prepared by the authorities after careful verification."
Addressing the identification process, she noted that five people who had initially been listed as dead were later found alive. Their identities were confirmed through the country's fingerprint-based identification system. She emphasized that the government would not release misleading information or casualty figures without conclusive evidence.
On June 24, two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela in quick succession.
During the press conference, the interim president said the government is holding high-level discussions with the U.S. Department of State and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure funding and resources for the rapid reconstruction of collapsed and damaged infrastructure. The government is also in contact with the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank, both of which have already offered substantial grants and concessional loans to assist Venezuela.
According to official figures, at least 855 multi-story buildings were severely damaged or completely destroyed by the earthquakes. The government has initially allocated US$200 million for the rehabilitation of affected communities and the reconstruction of damaged buildings.
In addition, a special bank account has been opened at the CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean to receive international donations and humanitarian assistance directly from foreign governments and organizations.
Meanwhile, a team of structural engineering experts from Israel has already arrived in Venezuela to help assess the stability of damaged buildings and support infrastructure rehabilitation efforts.
A preliminary assessment conducted using the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Rapid Digital Analysis technology estimates that the total damage to homes, businesses, and other public assets amounts to approximately US$6.7 billion.
According to the government's estimates, around 12,800 people have been left completely homeless by the disaster. Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that an additional 16,000 people have been displaced after losing their homes or fleeing due to fears of further earthquakes.