The Venezuelan government has confirmed that the death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck the nation in June has climbed to 6,125. The tremors, which registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurred on June 24 and caused the most severe destruction in the capital city of Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez stated that recovery crews have managed to clear approximately 16.5 percent of the debris left by the disaster. However, the government, led by interim President Delcy Rodriguez, is facing significant backlash regarding the efficiency and adequacy of its response. Many citizens have expressed frustration, alleging that both the administration and military forces failed to provide sufficient support during the critical search and rescue operations for missing individuals.
The economic impact of the disaster is substantial, with a recent World Bank assessment estimating physical damages at nearly $20 billion. While various nations pledged international aid in the immediate aftermath of the quakes, the path to recovery remains uncertain, and it is currently unclear how the necessary funding will be secured to facilitate reconstruction.
Complicating the recovery process are ongoing geopolitical tensions. The United States has maintained significant control over Venezuela since the military abduction of former President Nicolas Maduro in January. Although some advocates are urging the U.S. to lift or ease remaining economic sanctions to allow for the influx of humanitarian aid and recovery funds, many of these restrictions from the Maduro era remain firmly in place.
The Venezuelan government has announced that the confirmed death toll from a pair of heavy earthquakes that struck the country in June has risen to 6,125 people.
Source: Aljazeera
