The death toll from last month’s devastating twin earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to at least 2,954, according to the latest official figures released on Saturday, marking one of the deadliest natural disasters in the region’s recent history.

The toll jumped by more than 300 since Friday, with authorities confirming over 16,500 people injured in the disaster. Thousands more remain unaccounted for, with the United Nations estimating the number of missing could reach as high as 50,000.

The twin quakes struck on June 24, 2026, with a magnitude 7.2 foreshock followed just 39 seconds later by a 7.5 mainshock. The epicenters were located near Veroes Municipality in Yaracuy state, west of San Felipe, but the coastal La Guaira area north of Caracas suffered the most severe damage. The events caused widespread collapses of buildings, infrastructure failures, and significant destruction in Caracas and surrounding regions.

This doublet earthquake was Venezuela’s strongest in over a century, surpassing the 1900 San Narciso event. It triggered at least 942 aftershocks, keeping residents on edge and complicating rescue and recovery operations.

International and local rescue teams have largely wrapped up frantic searches for survivors, as the critical 72-hour “golden window” for live rescues passed long ago. A handful of remarkable survivals were reported this week, including individuals pulled from rubble days after the initial strikes, but hopes have dimmed significantly.

Efforts are now transitioning toward body recovery, debris clearance, and providing shelter for the displaced. Aerial footage and on-the-ground reports reveal pancaked buildings, split streets, and widespread devastation, particularly in La Guaira’s coastal communities.

Preliminary assessments by the United Nations estimate direct physical damage at around $6.7 billion — equivalent to roughly 6% of Venezuela’s GDP. The quakes have exacerbated existing challenges in the country, straining an already vulnerable infrastructure and health system.

Hospitals are overwhelmed, power and telecommunications remain disrupted in some areas, and thousands are living in temporary shelters or camps. A strong aftershock earlier in the week further rattled nerves in Caracas and La Guaira.

International assistance has been flowing in, with search teams, field hospitals, and supplies arriving from countries including the United States (which pledged $150 million), India, Turkey, Israel, and others. Stories of resilience continue to emerge, such as a Yorkshire Terrier puppy rescued alive after 10 days under rubble and communities turning public spaces into makeshift aid centers.

Venezuelan officials, including Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, have defended the government’s response while acknowledging the immense challenges. Opposition figures have raised concerns about delays and access issues.

As the nation mourns and rebuilds, experts warn that the full extent of casualties and long-term needs may take weeks or months to fully assess. Humanitarian organizations continue to call for sustained global support to address shelter, food, medical care, and reconstruction in the affected regions.

The earthquakes serve as a stark reminder of Venezuela’s position along active tectonic boundaries, including the San Sebastián fault system, highlighting the need for improved building standards and preparedness in the future. (ILKHA)