Venezuela Earthquake Aftershocks Trigger Ongoing Rescue Efforts
CARACAS, July 16 – The twin earthquakes that rocked Venezuela on June 24 have pushed the death toll to 4,829, while the injured count stands at 16,740, as announced by National Assembly President George Rodriguez.
Authorities report that 106 provisional camps now accommodate 20,857 people displaced by the disaster, with over 63,000 rescuers still on the ground conducting search and rescue missions.
Since the main tremors, 1,284 aftershocks have rattled the region, underscoring the ongoing seismic risk. On July 11, Social Affairs Vice‑President Hector Rodriguez told Telegram that a total of 18,437 citizens have been placed in shelters: La Guaira houses 10,981, Caracas 6,133 and Miranda 1,323.
The central part of the country, hit by 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes, accounts for 4,118 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. In response, the government has initiated a Unified Housing Registry, designed to link census records with financial assistance for quake survivors.
Rodriguez emphasized rapid action to provide permanent housing for families who have completely lost their homes, while also repairing partially damaged dwellings. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez indicated that transitional single‑family housing camps will be established until permanent structures are ready.
The National Assembly will also propose amendments to rental legislation and expand credit and subsidy schemes to facilitate home purchases for affected families.
Due to sanctions imposed by the United States and other nations, Rodriguez said interim President Delcy Rodriguez has appealed to various governments to release frozen Venezuelan assets abroad to support relief operations.
Delcy Rodriguez expressed gratitude to 28 nations that have sent humanitarian aid. After touring a relief‑materials hub in Caracas, she reported that more than 2,000 tonnes of aid have been sorted for distribution to temporary shelters.
"We thank the international community for its unwavering support," she said, adding that transparent distribution will assure donors that their assistance reaches those in need. "Our focus now is on rebuilding and looking toward a safer future."