The death toll from Venezuela’s twin earthquakes on June 24 has risen to 4,118, with about 16,740 injured and thousands more missing as rescue and relief efforts continue.
The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes struck within seconds of each other, devastating La Guaira and destroying numerous buildings, including many high-rises.
The disaster has sparked a deepening humanitarian crisis, with international agencies warning of disease risks among displaced populations and disrupted health services.
The United Nations is appealing for around $300 million to fund relief, recovery, and essential infrastructure repairs, while PAHO stresses the need for vaccines, sanitation, and ongoing medical care amid limited resources.
Venezuela’s government has called for the release of frozen assets and, in some reports, even potential use of gold assets to aid recovery.
Recovery challenges are compounded by economic strain and degraded public services, underscoring the scale of the task ahead for rebuilding communities.