Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes have killed nearly 3,000 people, according to updated official figures. Authorities confirmed the revised toll on Saturday as rescue operations entered a new phase. International teams have also begun winding down search efforts.
Rescue Operations Gradually Come to an End
Officials said the death toll rose to 2,954 after increasing by more than 300 since Friday. The powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24. Consequently, thousands of people remain homeless and are living in temporary shelters.
The United Nations estimates that nearly 50,000 people remain unaccounted for. However, the Venezuelan government has not released an official figure for those still missing. The earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and struck just 38 seconds apart.
The coastal region of La Guaira suffered the worst destruction during the disaster. Numerous residential buildings collapsed, leaving widespread devastation. Meanwhile, rescue teams continued searching for victims beneath the rubble.
Although the critical rescue window usually lasts 72 hours, crews recovered several survivors this week. Nevertheless, international rescue teams have started concluding their operations. Officials said recent searches produced no further signs of life.
Families Continue Recovery as Teams Depart
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez honored international rescue teams during a ceremony on Saturday. She presented medals to rescue personnel and their search dogs. Additionally, she described the disaster as a period of profound national grief.
Rescue teams from the United States and several South American countries have started returning home. Meanwhile, Venezuelan volunteers continue recovering victims from collapsed buildings. Heavy machinery has also begun demolishing unsafe structures in La Guaira.
Some residents criticized the government’s initial response to the disaster. They claimed families searched for survivors before emergency teams arrived. However, Rodriguez defended the government’s actions, saying thousands of troops and officials responded immediately.
