CARACAS, VENEZUELA / Content Syndication Services / – Venezuela’s earthquake death toll has risen to 3,342, according to updated government figures, after twin earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on June 24. The Venezuelan information ministry said 16,470 people suffered injuries and 17,345 people lost their homes. Rescue crews continued searching damaged areas in La Guaira, Caracas and nearby coastal communities. The toll has climbed steadily since officials reported 2,954 deaths a day earlier.
The disaster began when two powerful quakes hit west of Caracas less than a minute apart. The U.S. Geological Survey measured the earthquakes at magnitude 7.2 and magnitude 7.5. The second quake struck at a shallower depth, adding to severe damage in densely populated areas. Officials reported collapsed buildings, damaged roads and heavy disruption near the Caribbean coast.
Emergency teams have focused on La Guaira, where collapsed hotels, apartment blocks and hillside neighborhoods trapped residents. Authorities said thousands of officials joined international rescue workers in the response. Crews have used dogs, heavy equipment and hand tools to reach people under concrete and steel. Hospitals and temporary shelters have received families from damaged districts.
Rescue teams continue searches
The government said more than 6,400 people have been rescued since the earthquakes. Officials also reported damage to 856 buildings, including 190 structures that collapsed. Many survivors moved into shelters, schools and tent camps after losing homes or fearing further structural failures. Search teams have also worked through aftershocks and unstable rubble in hard-hit zones.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez defended the official response during a national address marking Venezuela’s independence day. She said security forces deployed after the quakes and announced a new military unit for disaster response and emergencies. National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez earlier gave updated casualty figures as the toll approached 3,000. Both statements came as authorities continued recovery work.
Shelter needs grow in coastal areas
The earthquakes have created one of Venezuela’s deadliest recent natural disasters. Families in affected communities have sought food, water, medicine and safe shelter. Local officials have worked to register displaced residents and direct them to aid points. Volunteers have helped clear debris and support families waiting for news of missing relatives.
The hardest-hit areas include coastal towns in La Guaira and neighborhoods around Caracas. Damage to homes, hotels and public buildings has complicated access for emergency crews. Authorities have not released a final count of missing people. The confirmed figures continue to center on deaths, injuries, rescues, homelessness and building damage from the June 24 earthquakes.