Venezuela says oil output unchanged and debt talks continue as government reshuffles cabinet after deadly June quakes

On June 24, two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela, killing more than 4,500 people, injuring 16,740 and leaving roughly 18,000 families homeless. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez stressed the state’s sovereign handling of international aid, noting contributions from 72 nations, 341 tons of supplies from Mexico and 2,471 rescuers from countries including China, Russia and Spain.

Vice‑President of the Economy sector, Calixto Ortega, reported that the country’s productive apparatus and oil sector remained intact, with daily crude output around 1.2 million barrels, “not affected at all” by the quakes. He also said Venezuela will keep its external‑debt‑restructuring process on track, incorporating the quake’s economic impact and seeking new financing for reconstruction.

In a separate cabinet move, Rodríguez announced the merger of the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade and appointed diplomat Félix Plasencia as the new minister, while Yván Gil moves to head Science and Technology. The government also reported controlled disposal of debris in authorized landfills and the arrival of Mexican humanitarian ships delivering 388 tons of food, water and medical supplies.