The death toll from the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 2,645, with 12,666 people injured as emergency teams continue rescue and relief operations across the country.
The latest official update indicates that thousands remain displaced while authorities race to provide shelter, medical care and essential supplies. The disaster has also triggered hundreds of aftershocks, complicating rescue efforts and raising concerns over damaged infrastructure.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, who also heads the command centre overseeing temporary camps, said 6,462 people have been rescued so far. He added that assistance has reached 86,117 affected families.
Relief operations continue across affected regions
According to Rodriguez, the earthquakes damaged 885 buildings, while another 189 structures collapsed.
Authorities have established 59 temporary camps to accommodate displaced residents. More than 3,300 international rescuers and nearly 29,600 emergency responders remain deployed across affected areas, he said.
Rodriguez also said Venezuela has recorded 890 aftershocks since the twin earthquakes struck.
National mourning declared for earthquake victims
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez on Thursday declared seven days of national mourning to honour those who lost their lives in the disaster.
“In honour of the memory of the victims, I have decided to decree National Mourning for seven (7) days, starting at 6:00 p.m. today,” she said in a statement posted on social media.
“In these moments of profound sadness, we embrace those who suffer from this tragedy and reaffirm our commitment to accompany and protect them.”
She also said, “Venezuela’s soul is torn by the human losses caused by the devastating earthquakes.”
The two earthquakes, measuring magnitude 7.5 and 7.2, struck north of Caracas on June 24. Authorities have previously said tens of thousands of people remain missing.
Earlier, Delcy Rodriguez had urged health workers, firefighters and security personnel to register on the Patria platform to support relief efforts, particularly those related to housing for displaced families. Authorities had initially activated 25 temporary camps across several regions before expanding relief arrangements.