Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 3,535 as Thousands Remain Displaced
CARACAS — The death toll from Venezuela’s twin earthquakes has risen to 3,535, authorities said on Monday, while nearly 18,000 people remain homeless more than a week after the disaster struck the capital and nearby coastal areas.
Top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said the latest official tally showed 16,740 people injured and 17,854 left without housing after the June 24 quakes, which measured magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 and struck within seconds of each other. The new figures underscore the scale of the disaster in and around Caracas and La Guaira, the coastal area hit hardest, as criticism mounts over the government’s response.
Venezuela’s social vice presidency said at least 12,800 people were staying in 80 shelters across Caracas and La Guaira.
Dr. Mauricio Cerpa Calderon, an adviser to the Emergency Operations Center of the Pan American Health Organization, warned of health risks mounting in temporary shelters. “These health risks are related to overcrowding, limited ventilation, interrupted access to safe drinking water, water and sanitation issues, and inadequate handling of food and waste,” he said, citing risks of respiratory infections, diarrhea, skin diseases, wound infections, dengue, and vaccine-preventable diseases.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has defended the government’s handling of the disaster amid growing frustration from Venezuelans who have described the response as late and inadequate. Global humanitarian organisations including the International Rescue Committee have also criticised the response.
In La Guaira, Reuters witnesses saw trucks and forensic workers transporting coffins, while machinery dug trenches in an open area marked by white crosses, where authorities were burying bodies. The Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization have provided technical guidelines, body bags, and refrigerated containers for body management.
The United Nations said it was continuing to ramp up aid operations in coordination with the government in Caracas. “Some search and rescue teams remain deployed in the affected areas, while other specialized engineering teams and medical support continue to arrive,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.
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