Venezuela quake death toll rises to 5,069
Caracas, July 18
The death toll from the June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 5,069, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said.
According to an official update released on Telegram, on Friday, by Rodriguez, the number of injured remained at 16,740, while 6,462 people had been rescued.
The update said 21,235 people were staying in 107 temporary camps set up in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas and the central states of La Guaira, Miranda and Aragua.
Since the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck more than three weeks ago, authorities have recorded 1,331 aftershocks.
Earlier, Rodriguez said 94 temporary camps have been set up so far.
La Guaira, the coastal state where the two quakes caused the most damage, has 10,981 people in shelters, while Caracas has 6,133 and the central state of Miranda has 1,323, he said.
Earlier, Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez expressed gratitude for the humanitarian aid provided by 28 countries to support victims of the country's recent quakes.
She made the remarks after inspecting a collection centre in Caracas, where more than 2,000 tons of international aid are sorted for distribution to temporary camps housing victims of the June 24 earthquakes.
"Venezuela never tires of thanking the countries, the peoples of the world, and the governments of the world that have offered a helping hand," Rodriguez said.
"Each country will be able to see how its aid is being used so that the Venezuelan people feel the friendly helping hand of that country," she added.
Thanks to the international response to the tragedy, Venezuela knows it is not alone, said Rodriguez. "The most important thing is to look to the future, how we are going to recover, how we are going to rebuild the affected areas."
— IANS
Reader Comments
21,235 people still in camps and 1,331 aftershocks! This is a crisis that needs a coordinated global response. Venezuela's government is thanking 28 countries—hope the aid reaches the ground quickly. Our prayers are with them.
Respect to all nations sending help, but I hope there's transparency in how this aid is used. Acting President says "each country will see how its aid is used"—that's a good assurance. Rebuilding will take years, but first step is shelter and food.
So sad. 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes—that's like having two massive disasters back-to-back. And still 1,331 aftershocks. The people of Venezuela must be terrified. Stay strong, amigos. 🇻🇪❤️
A tragedy of this scale requires global solidarity. 107 temporary camps and 6,462 rescued—but rescue is just the beginning. The recovery effort needs sustained support, not just a one-time donation. Let's hope Venezuela gets that.
The human cost is staggering. 16,740 injured, 5,069 dead. It's like a small town wiped out. My heart goes out to every family affected. I hope the international community doesn't forget Venezuela once the headlines fade.
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