Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 4,490 as Residents Return to Destroyed Homes

The official death toll from the double earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 4,490, according to the acting government, with rescue teams still recovering bodies from collapsed buildings. The number of injured remains unchanged at 16,740. The previous official count, released on Saturday, stood at 4,333. Authorities have avoided speculating on the number of missing persons, though the UN had estimated shortly after the disaster that it could be as high as 50,000. Residents are beginning to return to their destroyed homes as search and rescue operations continue. The event has prompted a major humanitarian response, with international aid agencies mobilizing to support affected communities.

Global Impact

Economically, the disaster will likely require substantial international aid and reconstruction investment, potentially affecting Venezuela's already fragile economy and its ability to service debt. Politically, the government's handling of the crisis may influence domestic stability and international relations, especially with aid negotiations.