Venezuela earthquake death toll surpasses 5,000 as IMF releases $346 million for reconstruction

The earthquakes

On 24 June, two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela just 39 seconds apart. The epicenters were near the coastal state of La Guaira, with severe shaking felt in the capital Caracas. The double tremor caused widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and trapping thousands under rubble. Rescue operations began immediately, with workers pulling more than 6,400 people alive from the debris in the following days. Over 1,300 aftershocks have since been recorded, further weakening damaged structures.

Death toll and missing

Three weeks after the disaster, the official death toll has climbed to 5,069, according to parliament president Jorge Rodríguez on 17 July. The figure rose by 139 deaths from the previous count, with at least 300 victims still unidentified. The number of injured stands at 16,740, unchanged since 5 July. Authorities have not released an official count of the missing, but the UN estimated up to 50,000 people unaccounted for two days after the quakes. Other projections put the figure closer to 10,000. Rodríguez defended the government's approach, stating that it must avoid speculation.

We cannot fall into speculation. We must stay anchored in reality.

Displacement and health risks

The earthquakes left thousands homeless. Official figures report 17,907 people without shelter, while a separate government document says 21,210 are living in temporary camps. In La Guaira, nearly 20,000 displaced residents have crowded into makeshift camps in stadiums, public squares, and on sidewalks. Many others stay with relatives or sleep in improvised shelters near their damaged homes to prevent looting. The lack of clean water and sanitation has created a risk of infectious disease outbreaks. In La Guaira, displaced people are using the beach for washing and hygiene, which a doctor told a children's rights organization has contaminated the water, causing skin diseases and eye irritations.

Infrastructure damage

Official tallies count 856 buildings damaged and 190 completely collapsed. However, a NASA report assessed that over 58,000 structures sustained some level of damage. In the town of Guarenas, about 30 kilometers from Caracas, only 21 buildings have been inspected, and more than 15 were found uninhabitable. Several shopping centers, including recently built ones, suffered significant damage, and the church of Notre-Dame de Copacabana was closed due to structural issues. In nearby Guatire, some buildings will need to be demolished because their structures are too compromised to repair.

Response and reconstruction

On 17 July, the Venezuelan government announced that the IMF had released $346 million to support reconstruction efforts. Earlier in the week, parliament approved a bill to accelerate housing construction, with an estimated 25,000 new homes needed. The funds are expected to address both immediate shelter needs and long-term rebuilding. Search operations continue in the rubble, though experts say the chance of finding survivors is now almost nil.