Death toll rises to 2 thousand 645 in the June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela.

Sad news has been reached following the earthquakes on June 24 in Venezuela, which caused great repercussions across the country. According to the latest official statements and reports, it has been determined that the total number of lives lost in the natural disaster has risen to 2 thousand 645. This figure, which turned out to be significantly higher than previous estimates and preliminary information, once again reveals the severity of the disaster. Search and rescue efforts, coordinated by the Ministry of Interior and local authorities, are continuing with great diligence and speed to find citizens trapped under the rubble. Cleaning and recovery activities initiated to return life to normal in the region are continuing as planned.

Damage assessment work conducted in the regions closest to the epicenter and surrounding provinces shows that the destruction of infrastructure has affected a very wide area. While many buildings were completely destroyed, hundreds of residences and workplaces were heavily damaged and rendered unusable, leaving thousands of citizens homeless. Aid teams continue their presence on the field using the latest technology to reach earthquake victims despite the unfavorable weather conditions. Humanitarian aid materials and food support sent to the region have started to be distributed from designated points to meet the basic needs of the victims. It is planned to start work on the construction of permanent housing and the repair of infrastructure in the damaged areas as soon as the debris removal process is complete.

The international community and various non-governmental organizations did not remain indifferent to this disaster in Venezuela and have already started preparing possible support packages. Institutions such as the World Health Organization and the Red Crescent are providing technical and logistical support to local authorities regarding the prevention of epidemic diseases and the treatment of the injured in the region. While the psychological effects of the earthquake leave deep traces on the entire population, especially children and the elderly, teams of mental health professionals are working to alleviate this situation. While the local populace demands that aid efforts be carried out more rapidly and transparently by the authorities, security forces have taken precautions in the region against possible negative developments. Experts emphasize that the recovery process following such major earthquakes can take years and that long-term strategic plans are essential.

The Venezuelan government is holding periodic press conferences to keep the process transparent towards the international public opinion and the domestic opposition. The identification of deceased citizens and their delivery to their relatives are among the most important tasks carried out meticulously by civil registry teams. Due to the damage to schools and educational institutions in the region, there is uncertainty and anxiety among parents regarding when the academic year will start. The country, which is going through a difficult economic period, was forced to mobilize serious financial resources to heal the wounds of this disaster. It is necessary to start preparations for the winter months without delay to improve living conditions in temporary shelters for earthquake victims.

Geophysics experts and seismologists, examining the activity of fault lines in the region, are warning the public about the intensity and frequency of possible aftershocks. Since the magnitude of the main earthquake on June 24 was of a nature that fully tested the durability of the building stock, the compliance of buildings with earthquake regulations should be inspected during the reconstruction process. Environmental engineers and municipal teams are also working jointly on preventing environmental pollution and the safe disposal of debris. Reliable donation campaigns and account information are being shared via social media and news channels for citizens wishing to send aid to the region, strengthening the environment of solidarity. Despite all these negativities, hopes that the Venezuelan people will overcome these difficult days by banding together and that the country will rise again are kept alive a little more every day.