Venezuela Earthquake Toll Rises to Nearly 3,000; Thousands Still Missing

The death toll from two devastating earthquakes in Venezuela has climbed to 2,954, with 16,592 individuals injured, according to the Ministry of Information. Tens of thousands of people remain missing, with the United Nations estimating this figure at 50,000. Experts consider the chances of finding survivors under the rubble nearly impossible, as the critical 72-hour rescue window has passed since the quakes struck coastal La Guaira and the capital, Caracas, on June 24th. Despite the grim outlook, security guard Hernán Gil, 38, was rescued late last week after his eight-story office building collapsed. The small, sturdy booth where he worked provided structural support and retained enough oxygen for his survival.

Authorities have established 25 temporary shelters for over 16,000 people who lost their homes. However, medical professionals have raised concerns about the poor hygienic conditions in these camps, citing insufficient running water and inadequate sanitation facilities. Doctors fear that infections and the strain on Venezuela's fragile healthcare system could lead to thousands more deaths. While Parliament Speaker Rodríguez stated that the government has assisted nearly 84,000 families with food donations, many Venezuelans criticize the government's response as slow and insufficient. Some survivors recount searching for loved ones with their bare hands in the initial 48 hours. Interim leader Delcy Rodríguez has dismissed these criticisms and previously declared a week of national mourning.