The death toll from the devastating Venezuela earthquake has risen to 1,943, according to a provisional official update, as rescue teams continue operations amid widespread destruction and worsening humanitarian conditions.
The disaster followed two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 that struck the country on 24 June, leaving thousands injured and large parts of infrastructure severely damaged.
Humanitarian crisis deepens
According to officials, around 10,500 people have been injured, while tens of thousands remain missing. The United Nations estimates that up to 50,000 people may still be unaccounted for.
Survivors are facing severe shortages of food, shelter and essential services, with the UN warning of increasing risks of disease outbreaks due to damaged water systems and collapsed health infrastructure.
Widespread destruction reported
The most affected areas include the coastal region of La Guaira, where critical infrastructure has been severely impacted. Satellite imagery estimates that nearly 58,870 buildings have been damaged or destroyed.
Basic services have collapsed in many areas, while communications remain severely disrupted, according to UN refugee officials.
Rescue operations continue
Despite the passage of the critical 72-hour survival window, rescue efforts are ongoing. A three-year-old child was rescued from rubble in Caracas on Tuesday by a Jordanian search-and-rescue team, offering a rare moment of hope.
More than 2,000 rescuers and over 160 search dogs are currently deployed, with 27 countries assisting in operations coordinated by the United Nations.
Aid and international response
Humanitarian agencies have issued urgent appeals for funding. The World Food Programme is seeking $50 million to provide food assistance to around 500,000 people over the next three months, while UNHCR has requested $15 million for emergency shelter support.
The United States has announced it will double its aid to Venezuela to $300 million, channelled through NGOs and UN agencies.
Health concerns grow
The World Health Organization has warned of a heightened risk of epidemic outbreaks, including vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, diphtheria and whooping cough, due to weakened health and sanitation systems.
Hospitals across the country have also been damaged, with at least 38 facilities affected and three in critical condition.
Authorities say the situation remains highly unstable as rescue and recovery efforts continue across the affected regions.
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