The death toll from Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes has surpassed 4,000, according to the government. At least 4,118 people were killed and 16,740 injured in the back-to-back June 24 quakes, which flattened entire districts in the coastal state of La Guaira.
Magnitude and Impact
The first earthquake, measuring 7.2 magnitude, struck followed by a stronger 7.5 magnitude quake 39 seconds later. This was the biggest earthquake in Venezuela in over a century. Entire high-rise apartment blocks were reduced to rubble.
Ongoing Search and Panic
Although official rescue teams have ceased their search for survivors, family members continue to search the ruins for their loved ones. On Friday, a 3.0 magnitude tremor in central Caracas caused panic and led to buildings being evacuated.
Economic Crisis and Recovery
The scale of the recovery effort facing Venezuela, where state services have been severely degraded by a prolonged economic crisis, is gargantuan. The United Nations has issued an urgent appeal for nearly $300 million towards earthquake relief operations.
Call for Asset Release
Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez has called for the release of frozen assets held abroad to be used towards the recovery. She has specifically asked King Charles III to release about 30 tons of Venezuelan gold frozen under UK sanctions.
