Earthquakes in Venezuela's La Guaira State Kill 4,333 and Injure 16,740

Twin earthquakes struck Venezuela's coastal state of La Guaira on 24 June, killing at least 4,333 people and injuring 16,740, the government said Saturday. Thousands more remain listed as missing. A 7.2-magnitude quake was followed 39 seconds later by a 7.5-magnitude shock, the largest in Venezuela in over a century.

The quakes flattened entire districts and high-rise apartment blocks. Rescue teams have halted searches for survivors, though some family members continue to search the rubble. The United Nations on 8 July issued an appeal for nearly $300 million to assist 1.3 million people in need.

The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction estimated direct physical damage to housing and infrastructure at about $37 billion. Mobile kitchens, clinics and field hospitals now operate in public spaces in La Guaira. A 3.0-magnitude aftershock struck central Caracas on Friday, prompting building evacuations.

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez called for the release of frozen assets held abroad, including about 30 tons of gold held in the UK, to support recovery.