Death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes rises above 5,000 as IMF announces emergency funds
Caracas, July 19
The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela last month has risen to 5,119, according to an official government report, as the International Monetary Fund announced emergency financial support of USD 346 million to assist recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Acting President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez on Friday said the country had accessed funds from its own resources at the IMF, which would be directed towards helping affected communities, rebuilding infrastructure and restoring essential public services.
"Following the devastating double earthquake that struck our country, Venezuela initially accessed US$346 million from its own resources at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which will be allocated to the recovery and reconstruction process in the wake of the tragedy," Rodriguez said in a statement posted on X.
She added that the funds would support families affected by the disaster, including assistance related to housing, infrastructure and basic services.
"I would like to thank the IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, for her support and commitment, as well as all the institutions that made this important step possible. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our people and drive the country's recovery forward," she said.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva also confirmed the release of emergency funds, expressing solidarity with those affected by the earthquakes.
"My heart is with the people of Venezuela as they recover from the devastating earthquakes. We worked with key counterparts to help Venezuela access its own resources at the Fund for urgent humanitarian needs and the authorities have now drawn US$346M from their reserve tranche," Georgieva said in a post on X.
According to the official report released by Venezuela's National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, the disaster has left 16,740 people injured, while 6,462 people have been rescued. More than 128,000 families have received assistance, with 107 temporary camps set up to shelter over 21,000 people.
The report stated that 17,907 people have been left without homes, with 856 buildings affected and 190 buildings collapsed. Authorities have also reported distributing over 10 million food supplies and more than 32 million litres of water as part of relief operations.
The government said 2,278 international rescuers and nearly 31,000 deployed personnel are involved in emergency response operations, supported by over 31,000 volunteers.
The twin earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks have caused widespread destruction across affected areas, with authorities continuing rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts. The official report recorded 1,350 aftershocks following the main seismic events.
Last month, twin earthquakes - measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude - struck Venezuela in the north, causing widespread destruction and chaos.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Seeing the numbers — 5,119 dead, 17,907 homeless, 1,350 aftershocks — it's just staggering. Even with $346 million, rebuilding will take years. I hope Venezuela's government ensures proper rehabilitation, not just rhetoric. India has faced tsunamis and quakes before; we know the pain all too well.
Big respect to the IMF for releasing the funds quickly, but I hope this doesn't come with too many conditions. Venezuelans have suffered enough. Also, 2,278 international rescuers — that's amazing solidarity from the global community. 🇻🇪❤️
Such a tragedy. But let's be honest — $346 million is a drop in the ocean when 128,000 families are affected. The logistics of distributing 10 million food supplies and 32 million litres of water are mind-boggling. Hope the recovery is swift. India should also offer help if we can.
My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones. 🕊️ The fact that they're still rescuing people after 1,350 aftershocks shows incredible courage from the rescue teams. But I do worry about corruption — Venezuela has had its share of governance issues. Hope the funds aren't misused.
Absolutely devastating. Two earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude in one month is nature at its cruelest. But I appreciate the transparency in the report — 856 buildings affected, 190 collapsed, 31,000 deployed personnel. That level of detail is reassuring. Stay strong, Venezuela. 💪
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