Venezuela earthquake death toll climbs to 4,829, thousands left homeless
The double earthquake that struck northern Venezuela on 24 June, with magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, has raised the official death toll to 4,829 and left 16,740 people injured. Around 17,907 residents are now without homes, with 190 buildings collapsed and another 856 severely damaged. Authorities have opened 106 temporary camps housing 20,857 people and deployed over 30,000 security and civilian volunteers for rescue and recovery.
A biometric census is under way to assess housing needs, estimating roughly 25,000 new homes; the interim government plans to deliver the first 200 units this week. International assistance includes Spanish field hospitals, South Korean cash and shelter aid, Swiss technical support, and rescue teams from Portugal and other EU states. A benefit concert organized by Unidos por Venezuela will be held on 16 August at Miami’s Kaseya Center, featuring Marc Anthony, Ricardo Montaner and many other Latin artists, with proceeds earmarked for humanitarian groups.
The disaster remains one of Venezuela’s deadliest in recent years, prompting a large‑scale humanitarian response and ongoing reconstruction efforts.