The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has reached 4,333, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez. This marks a significant increase from the previous day's count of 4,118.
The earthquakes, registering magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, devastated regions including Caracas and La Guaira, obliterating high-rise buildings and leaving thousands homeless.
Emergency response and community support
In the aftermath, makeshift shelters have been established across stadiums and public spaces, with over 19,000 individuals currently residing in these camps. Volunteers from both local and international communities are providing critical medical assistance and food supplies.
We cannot abandon the search for those still missing; families deserve to know the fate of their loved ones.
Jorge Rodriguez, National Assembly President
While Rodriguez did not specify how many remain unaccounted for, the United Nations has estimated that approximately 50,000 individuals might still be missing.
Rodriguez stated that the government is looking to provide housing solutions, with plans to offer apartments that were under construction prior to the earthquakes. However, he acknowledged the significant resources required for further housing initiatives.
In a related development, interim President Delcy Rodriguez has reached out to British authorities, requesting the release of Venezuela's gold reserves currently held in the Bank of England. This move is seen as a potential lifeline for funding the rebuilding efforts.
The government has secured over 584,000 square meters of land in La Guaira, earmarked for the construction of new homes away from the coastal risk zones, where many structures suffered extensive damage.