The recent twin earthquakes in Venezuela have resulted in a tragic death toll of 3,535, as reported by officials on Monday. Over a week after the calamity struck the capital and surrounding coastal regions, nearly 18,000 individuals are still without homes. Lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez revealed that the latest statistics indicate 16,740 injuries and 17,854 people displaced due to the quakes, which registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 and occurred just seconds apart.
These updated figures highlight the extensive devastation experienced in Caracas and La Guaira, the coastal area most severely affected, prompting increasing criticism of the government's response. The social vice presidency of Venezuela reported that approximately 12,800 individuals are currently residing in 80 shelters throughout Caracas and La Guaira.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has defended the government's actions in the wake of the disaster, despite rising discontent among citizens who have labeled the response as delayed and insufficient. She stated that security forces were dispatched immediately following the earthquakes and announced the establishment of a new military unit aimed at addressing future emergencies.
On Monday in La Guaira, witnesses from Reuters observed trucks and forensic teams transporting coffins, while machinery was seen digging trenches in an area marked with white crosses, where unidentified bodies were being interred. The United Nations has indicated that it is intensifying its aid efforts in collaboration with the Caracas government. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric informed reporters that some search and rescue teams remain active in the impacted regions, with additional specialized engineering and medical teams arriving.
Dujarric also mentioned that a thorough needs assessment is nearing completion, which will inform an updated response plan, although no specific release date was provided. U.N. agencies are already delivering services in three camps and evaluating other locations for potential expanded assistance.
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