The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has climbed to 3,535, while more than 16,700 people have been injured, according to updated official figures released on Monday. The disaster has emerged as one of the country's deadliest natural calamities in recent history, leaving widespread destruction and triggering a massive humanitarian response as rescue operations continue.

The earthquakes caused extensive damage across several parts of northern Venezuela, with La Guaira, a coastal state north of the capital Caracas, among the worst-affected areas. Entire neighbourhoods were reduced to rubble as powerful tremors brought down homes, apartment buildings and public infrastructure. Thousands of people remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could increase further as emergency teams continue searching through collapsed structures.

Authorities said search-and-rescue operations are still underway despite the challenging conditions created by damaged roads, unstable buildings and disrupted communication networks. Emergency personnel, military units and volunteers have been working around the clock to locate survivors, provide medical assistance and distribute food, water and other essential supplies to displaced residents. Temporary shelters have also been established to accommodate families who lost their homes in the disaster.

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The scale of the destruction has placed enormous pressure on hospitals and emergency services, many of which have been overwhelmed by the large number of injured people requiring treatment. Relief agencies have warned that thousands of survivors urgently need medical care, clean drinking water, sanitation facilities and temporary housing. Officials continue to assess the full extent of the damage, while efforts remain focused on reaching isolated communities affected by the earthquakes.

Venezuela is located in a seismically active region where the interaction of tectonic plates can trigger earthquakes of varying intensity. Although significant earthquakes are less frequent than in some neighbouring countries, powerful tremors have the potential to cause extensive damage, particularly in densely populated urban areas or locations with vulnerable infrastructure. The latest disaster has once again highlighted the country's vulnerability to major seismic events and the importance of disaster preparedness.

As rescue and recovery efforts continue, authorities have urged residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks and to follow instructions issued by emergency management agencies. With thousands still reported missing and assessments ongoing, officials cautioned that the casualty figures are likely to change in the coming days. The government and humanitarian organisations continue to coordinate relief operations aimed at supporting affected communities and restoring essential services in the hardest-hit areas.

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