Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 1,943
The death toll from the June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela has reached 1,943, with tens of thousands missing and over 58,000 buildings destroyed.
Jorge Rodríguez, head of Venezuela's National Assembly, announced that the death toll from the earthquakes has risen to 1,943. Tens of thousands of people remain missing, and more than 10,570 have been injured. Approximately 58,870 buildings have been damaged or destroyed, including 189 completely collapsed and over 650 partially collapsed.
According to the UN International Organization for Migration, up to 6.8 million people may have been affected and will need shelter, drinking water, sanitation, medical care, and basic necessities. NASA satellite data suggests even more severe damage, while Oregon State University researchers estimate that about 58,870 buildings were likely damaged or destroyed in the region.
The World Health Organization warns of a heightened risk of disease outbreaks, as Venezuela's overwhelmed and damaged healthcare system cannot cope. Low vaccination rates before the quake increase the risk of measles and diphtheria, along with yellow fever, malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus.
On June 24, after 6:00 p.m., two powerful earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela. Initial reports indicated 32 dead, later rising to 164. The US Geological Survey had warned that the death toll could exceed 10,000.
