Venezuela earthquake death toll surpasses 6,000 as missing persons estimates range up to 70,000

Death toll rises to 6,125

On August 3, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez announced that the official death toll from the June 24 twin earthquakes had reached 6,125, an increase of 579 from the previous figure of 5,546. The toll had not been updated since July 24, one month after the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes struck northern Venezuela. Nearly 61,000 people (60,992) have been treated in hospitals, according to the weekly reconstruction bulletin.

Missing persons figures remain uncertain

No official missing persons count has been released since June 25, when authorities reported 157 unaccounted for. La Guaira Governor José Alejandro Terán said around 1,400 people remain missing, but citizen-led platforms report far higher numbers. The website "Desaparecidos Terremoto Venezuela" lists over 29,000 missing, while "Venezuela Te Busca" cites nearly 17,800. Venezuela Reporta calculates 41,300. NGO Provea demanded the government update both the death and missing tolls, noting the lack of a public registry. Jorge Cattaneo of Ayuda en Acción told France 24 that estimates range from 40,000 to 70,000, but acknowledged possible double-counting in databases.

Housing and infrastructure damage

At least 190 buildings collapsed, mostly in La Guaira and Caracas. Authorities have evaluated 43,679 homes: 25,325 are habitable, 9,866 are restricted, and 6,433 are at high risk. Only 287 new homes have been delivered. Debris removal has reached 346,755 tonnes, about 16.5% of the 2.1 million tonnes estimated by the UN Development Programme. Almost 24,000 people are living in makeshift shelters, many with limited access to water and sanitation.

Government response and criticism

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, has defended the government's handling of the disaster. Families of victims have criticised military and other officials for arriving late and doing little to help. Transport Minister Francisco Garces, who leads a presidential commission on habitability, stated last week:

No structure will be demolished as long as there are victims to be found.

Parliament unanimously passed a law on Friday to ease rental regulations, aiming to free up an estimated 200,000 vacant homes for displaced families. Jorge Rodríguez said the measure addresses a "very retrograde" regulatory framework. The law awaits enactment by Delcy Rodríguez.

Economic toll and reconstruction

The World Bank estimates direct physical damages at $19.6 billion, with nearly half affecting residential buildings. It warned that slow reconstruction could hamper Venezuela's economic recovery for a decade. The country, rich in oil, gas, and minerals, has struggled with widespread poverty due to economic mismanagement and U.S. pressure.