Venezuela earthquake toll rises to 6,301; over 9,500 homes deemed high-risk
More than six weeks after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, the death toll has risen to 6,301, while more than 9,500 homes have been classified as high-risk, underscoring the scale of the country’s prolonged recovery and reconstruction challenge.National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced the latest figures on Monday in an update posted on his Telegram channel. Rodriguez, who also heads the command overseeing temporary camps, said 287 homes have so far been delivered to people affected by the June 24 earthquakes.
Over 53,000 homes assessed
Authorities have assessed 53,314 homes since the disaster, with 31,336 deemed habitable and 12,411 placed under restricted access because of damage. Another 9,567 homes were classified as high-risk.The death toll has continued to rise as rescue, debris-removal and recovery operations progress. On July 12, authorities had reported 4,490 deaths, 16,740 injuries and 17,907 people left homeless, indicating a sharp increase in the reported human toll in the weeks since the earthquakes.The disaster has also caused extensive economic damage. Direct physical losses have been estimated at $19.6 billion, with residential buildings accounting for 47% of the damage. Infrastructure represented another 27%, while non-residential buildings accounted for 26%.Reconstruction costs could eventually reach $50 billion, once rebuilding and structural improvements are included.
Two quakes struck within a minute
Venezuela was hit by earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude on June 24, with the two powerful shocks occurring about a minute apart in northern Venezuela, west of Caracas.The earthquakes caused widespread building damage, power outages and disruptions to public services. Schools were closed, with some converted into temporary shelters, while the country’s main international airport was temporarily shut as authorities assessed the damage.With nearly 9,600 homes now classified as high-risk and only 287 replacement homes delivered, Venezuela faces a major housing and reconstruction challenge in the weeks and months ahead.
