Venezuela earthquake death toll climbs to 6,438 as survivors await housing

Official figures released on Aug 17 indicate that the twin earthquakes that struck near Venezuela’s coast on June 24 have claimed 6,438 lives, according to Parliament Speaker Jorge Rodriguez, an increase from the previous tally of 6,301. The combined magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 toppled at least 190 structures and affected roughly 60,000 residences, with 24,000 rendered uninhabitable. Rescue teams and relatives are still searching for missing persons amid the rubble nearly two months after the disaster.

Thousands of victims are living in temporary camps, where recent heavy rain has destroyed some of the tents. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez’s administration has pledged to provide new housing, yet only 335 of the 4,000 homes promised for completion by the end of 2026 have been built. The humanitarian situation remains precarious as authorities grapple with reconstruction and shelter needs.