The death toll from Venezuela’s twin earthquakes on June 24 has now surpassed 5,000, with authorities confirming 5,069 fatalities as recovery efforts continue. The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes devastated the coastal state of La Guaira, north of Caracas, where most casualties occurred.
For context, the disasters struck within a minute of each other, triggering more than 1,300 aftershocks and leaving approximately 20,000 people displaced. Many survivors remain in overcrowded shelters with limited access to clean water or sanitation.
Casualties and injuries mount in La Guaira
National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced the updated figures on Friday, noting that 16,740 people were injured, though most have since been discharged from hospitals. Rescue crews continue to recover bodies as they clear collapsed buildings in hard-to-reach areas.
La Guaira, home to Venezuela’s main international airport and a major seaport, saw widespread destruction, with hundreds of apartment towers partially or completely collapsed.
IMF releases emergency financing amid criticism
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced on Friday that Venezuela had secured $346 million in emergency financing from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva confirmed the funds, drawn from Venezuela’s reserve tranche, would address urgent humanitarian needs.
The IMF and World Bank restored relations with Venezuela in April, following the U.S.-backed removal of former President Nicolas Maduro in January. The institutions had suspended ties in 2019 after refusing to recognize Maduro’s government.
Scrutiny over government response grows
Public outrage over the earthquake response has intensified, with survivors and critics accusing authorities of delays in rescue operations. A Reuters investigation published on Saturday cited military and diplomatic sources, who reported that early rescue efforts were hindered by delayed military deployment, equipment shortages, and overlapping command structures.
Rodriguez has dismissed the allegations, calling claims of chaos a "media laboratory" narrative and insisting the government acted swiftly.
