Death Toll from Earthquakes in Venezuela Rises: 3,535 Dead

The Venezuelan government announced that the death toll from the two devastating earthquakes that struck the country on 24 Haziran has risen to 3,535. This disaster, which deeply shook the country, also caused thousands of injuries and created a massive refugee population. According to the latest official data shared by authorities, 6,462 people were rescued alive from the scene, while 16,740 citizens were reported injured in the earthquake. Emergency services are trying to meet the basic needs of 86,794 families directly affected by the disaster. These figures have led Venezuelan officials to acknowledge that the country is facing one of the worst natural disasters in its recent history.

The destruction caused by the disaster was not limited to loss of life; it also caused massive damage to the country's infrastructure. Reports from the scene indicate that 17,854 people have been left homeless and are in urgent need of shelter. It was noted that a total of 856 buildings were affected, with emphasis placed on the fact that 190 of them completely collapsed and were leveled. This situation paints a bleak picture that further deepens the housing and infrastructure crises in a country already struggling with broader challenges. Authorities state they are making intensive efforts to clear the rubble of collapsed buildings and ensure the safety of damaged structures.

Following the initial tremors, a total of 995 aftershocks were recorded in the region, which negatively affected rescue operations. The continuous occurrence of aftershocks has made it extremely risky and difficult to rescue the injured trapped under the rubble. The healthcare system is facing a severe test against the scale of the disaster; hospitals have provided emergency treatment to more than 25 thousand earthquake victims so far. This heavy hospital traffic has pushed the limits of existing medical resources, increasing the need for additional healthcare support in the region. Medical teams continue to work day and night to treat the injured and prevent potential epidemic diseases.

Rescue and search-and-rescue operations are continuing on a massive scale with the participation of both national and international teams. It is reported that a total of 29,567 personnel are on duty in the field, continuing search activities in the rubble areas of the region. The Venezuelan government announced that while it is conducting a massive humanitarian intervention operation, 4,338 international experts are also providing support. Search-and-rescue dogs, thermal cameras, and heavy machinery sent by the international community are playing a critical role in finding hopeful cases. However, local officials also acknowledge that operations are progressing slowly due to difficult terrain conditions and aftershocks.

Following these tragic earthquakes, Venezuela has entered a period of deep mourning and has been forced to prepare for a long recovery phase. The country is currently in desperate need of international aid and external support to cope with this natural disaster, which compounds its existing economic and social troubles. Emergency response efforts, which began immediately after the disaster, are gradually giving way to long-term reconstruction plans. Experts are calling for a review of building codes and the reinforcement of infrastructure to guard against possible future earthquakes. These earthquakes, which changed the lives of tens of thousands of people, have once again highlighted how urgent and vital the issue of disaster preparedness is on the national agenda.