Tragedy in Venezuela: Death toll rises to 6,438 after powerful earthquakes
The death toll from the devastating double earthquake of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, which occurred on June 24 in northern Venezuela, has seen a worrying increase. According to official information presented this Monday by the President of Parliament, Jorge Rodríguez, the number of fatalities rose to 6,438, after adding 137 new victims to the previous count.
Regarding healthcare, authorities reported that a total of 86,358 people were treated in various hospital centers as a result of the emergency. Likewise, the Government has initiated housing recovery efforts, achieving the delivery of 335 homes to those affected, with a priority focus on the most impacted areas, particularly in the state of La Guaira.
Damage assessment and economic projections
The structural inspection process has been exhaustive, covering a total of 59,109 buildings. The results of the official census indicate the following distribution regarding the habitability of the dwellings:
- 34,680 properties cataloged as habitable.
- 13,733 dwellings with usage restrictions.
- 10,696 structures classified as high-risk.
The World Bank estimates that direct physical damages amount to 19.6 billion dollars, warning that the speed of reconstruction will be decisive in avoiding a stagnation in the country’s economic recovery over the next decade.
Solidarity initiatives for reconstruction
With the goal of joining efforts for the recovery of the affected communities, the private channel Venevisión has confirmed the realization of the “United for Venezuela” Telethon. The event is scheduled for next October 17th.
This initiative, which revives a charitable format that had not been implemented in the country since the early 2000s, will feature a continuous broadcast day. The programming will include radio and live coverage, highlighting the special participation of the National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras and Choirs of Venezuela, who have joined the cause to promote the fundraising necessary for the reconstruction of the affected areas.
