Context:

Two devastating earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on June 24, unleashing widespread destruction and prompting a humanitarian toll that continues to rise. The latest tally assigns 3,535 deaths, 16,740 injuries, and 17,854 homeless, with La Guaira state identified as the hardest hit. The quakes, magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, collapsed or severely damaged tens of thousands of buildings, triggering a large-scale emergency response and setting the stage for a long recovery. Authorities and aid groups are contending with extensive infrastructure damage and displacement, as the country assesses next steps for relief and reconstruction. The figures reflect ongoing impact and the need for sustained support in the coming weeks and months.

Dive Deeper:

• On June 24, northern Venezuela was struck by back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5, delivering powerful shocks that caused extensive destruction.

• As of July 6, lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez reported the death toll at 3,535, with 16,740 people injured and 17,854 left homeless.

• Authorities identify La Guaira state as the hardest-hit region, where the damage to housing and critical infrastructure is concentrated.

• The events destroyed or damaged tens of thousands of buildings, illustrating the scale of the disaster and the challenges facing relief and reconstruction efforts.

• The reported figures come from official channels and were corroborated with support from the Associated Press in coverage of the disaster.

• The crisis has prompted a large humanitarian response, with ongoing assessments of needs and ongoing mobilization of resources for shelter, medical care, and rebuilding.

• Looking ahead, authorities anticipate a prolonged recovery process requiring sustained international and domestic support to restore housing, services, and livelihoods for affected communities.