Venezuela earthquake death toll reaches 235 as state of emergency continues

AKIPRESS.COM – The death toll from a series of powerful earthquakes in Venezuela has reached 235 people, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado told CNN.

The minister stated that more than 4,300 injured individuals have received medical assistance, with the majority sustaining minor injuries. However, approximately 235 individuals were either brought to medical facilities with no vital signs or passed away immediately upon arrival.

The earthquakes, measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, struck on June 24 and stand as some of the most powerful tremors to hit Venezuela in over a century. The coastal city of La Guaira experienced the most severe destruction, where dozens of buildings collapsed.

In response, authorities have deployed additional rescue units and heavy machinery to the affected region, alongside establishing a 200 million dollar recovery fund. According to estimates by the US Geological Survey (USGS), there is a 44% probability that the final death toll could reach between 10,000 and 100,000 people. A state of emergency remains in effect across the country.