The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has risen to 3,535, with nearly 17,000 people injured and about 6,500 rescued since the June 24 disaster, an official said Monday. National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced on Telegram that 17,854 people remain homeless, in addition to the nearly 18,000 displaced by the disaster.
Seismic Impact and Infrastructure Damage
The back-to-back magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes triggered widespread devastation, damaging more than 850 buildings and severely disrupting operations at the country's main international airport. Authorities confirmed that 190 buildings collapsed, while an opposition-backed tally estimates that over 30,000 people remain unaccounted for.
Efforts to Restore Airport Operations
During an inspection of the damaged Maiquetia airport on Monday, acting President Delcy Rodriguez said she had ordered efforts to restore commercial flights via a parallel runway "as soon as possible and according to an operational restart schedule." The airport's main terminal suffered significant structural damage, complicating relief logistics.
Rescue Operations and Criticisms
Rescue teams continue searching for victims in the worst-hit areas, including La Guaira state, where residents have criticized delays in rescue efforts and fuel shortages that have slowed recovery operations. The government has deployed additional personnel and equipment to speed up the search, but limited resources remain a challenge.
Political Context and Sanctions Appeal
During Independence Day events on Sunday, Rodriguez renewed her appeal for the US to lift sanctions, saying Venezuela needs greater access to international financing to accelerate reconstruction. The international community has offered aid, but the government has yet to accept all offers. The twin earthquakes have exacerbated the country's ongoing economic and humanitarian crisis.
