Venezuela Earthquake Toll Rises as Housing Plans Begin
Venezuelan officials say the death toll from two earthquakes that struck the country on June 24 has climbed to 4,333, as authorities prepare to begin distributing housing to people displaced by the disaster. National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez announced the latest figures Saturday, saying 315 of the dead have not yet been identified.
The number of injured remains at 16,740, while officials report that 6,462 people have been rescued. Around 17,000 people have been left homeless. Rodríguez said interim President Delcy Rodríguez is expected to allocate the first 200 homes next week, though he did not provide further details on eligibility, locations or timing.
Damage assessments indicate that 856 buildings were affected by the earthquakes. Of those, 190 either collapsed completely or experienced structural collapse. Government estimates suggest that 25,000 homes will be required to meet the needs of affected residents. Authorities have identified approximately 40 plots of land, covering about 584,000 square metres, for housing projects in Osma and Chuspa.
Search and rescue operations are continuing in areas where officials say conditions remain uncertain. Rodríguez said teams are still working at one or two active sites where survivors may be found. “As long as there is life, there is hope,” he told reporters.
The earthquakes have also affected a large number of children. According to the report, more than 600,000 children have been impacted, and some families are still searching for missing children. The scale of the displacement has placed pressure on public services and emergency response systems as officials move from rescue operations toward temporary and permanent housing plans.
The government’s next steps are expected to focus on identifying beneficiaries, preparing land and coordinating construction. Aid groups and local authorities will likely play roles in supporting families during the transition.