Venezuela recovery efforts continue following devastating June earthquakes

Venezuela continues its recovery efforts following two devastating earthquakes on June 24, which reached magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. The official death toll has risen to 6,438, with extensive damage reported in the coastal state of La Guaira.

International and domestic aid is focused on debris removal and infrastructure assessment. The United States has delivered 20 pieces of teleoperated heavy machinery to assist in clearing hundreds of thousands of tons of rubble. Venezuelan authorities report that over 600,000 tons of debris have been collected, denying allegations that materials were dumped into the sea. International experts from New Zealand and Colombia are assisting in inspecting buildings to determine habitability; currently, over 10,000 structures are classified as high risk.

Humanitarian support has also come from El Salvador, with President Nayib Bukele ordering the government to cover the medical expenses of Nayarit Colmenares, a survivor who lost her hand during the collapse of her apartment. Meanwhile, the healthcare system in La Guaira remains severely strained, with major hospitals operating at only 20% to 30% capacity due to structural damage and resource shortages. Reconstruction plans, such as 'Plan Venezuela Renace', are being monitored by delegations from Japan and international development organizations.