Caracas, Venezuela — Search and rescue operations continue across Venezuela as emergency crews race against time to find more survivors following the powerful twin earthquakes that devastated the country last week.
It can be recalled that on Wednesday, June 24, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck west of the capital, Caracas.
Less than a minute later, it was followed by a stronger magnitude 7.5 quake, triggering widespread destruction and prompting the government to declare a nationwide state of emergency.
Days after the disaster, the death toll has continued to rise.
According to National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez on X, at least 1,450 people have now been confirmed dead.
He also reported that 3,150 people remain injured, with 774 buildings having collapsed.
Meanwhile, over 12,000 residents have been displaced, and more than 73,000 family groups have been assisted.
With the immense destruction, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced that the government has created a Presidential Commission to assess the safety of damaged infrastructure.
Meanwhile, she also said that their government has been establishing temporary shelters for families who lost their homes while reconstruction plans are being prepared to provide housing as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, electricity lines, water distribution, and road access are gradually returning. Over 7 million kilograms of food has also been distributed.
On the other hand, school classes would be suspended for one more week.
Rodriguez pledged that search efforts will continue and they will not rest until they can locate all those who can be rescued.