Venezuela Quake Toll Hits 3,535
Venezuela’s government says 3,535 people have died after two powerful earthquakes struck on June 24, leaving thousands injured and tens of thousands displaced. Health officials warn of growing risks in crowded shelters as criticism mounts over the government response.
Venezuela’s official death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck on June 24 has risen to 3,535, authorities said, underscoring the scale of the catastrophe in and around Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira. Top lawmaker Jorge Rodríguez said the latest official figures also counted 16,740 people injured and 17,854 left without housing after two quakes measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck within seconds of each other.
The coastal district of La Guaira was among the hardest hit. The government’s social vice-presidency reported that at least 12,800 people were sheltering in 80 temporary sites across Caracas and La Guaira. Officials and international advisers have expressed concern about living conditions in those centres.
Mauricio Cerpa Calderon, an adviser to the Emergency Operations Center of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Washington, warned of mounting health risks in the overcrowded shelters. He highlighted problems including poor ventilation, interrupted access to safe drinking water, water and sanitation challenges, and inadequate handling of food and waste — conditions that can increase the risk of disease outbreaks and strain local health services.
The updated toll and displacement figures come as criticism grows over the government’s response to the disaster and the speed of relief operations. Access to some affected coastal areas has been complicated by damaged infrastructure and difficult logistics following such powerful tremors.
What this means for the British Virgin Islands: while the immediate physical impact on the BVI is unlikely, the quake is a reminder of our region’s vulnerability to seismic events and the importance of coordinated disaster response. Regional and international aid is commonly mobilised to assist Venezuela after large-scale disasters, and the BVI government, civil society groups or residents may be asked to support relief efforts through donations or logistical assistance.
Residents with family or contacts in Venezuela should monitor official updates and relief channels, and verify any requests for assistance before sending money or supplies. Those wishing to help should consider established humanitarian organisations such as PAHO or recognised international relief agencies to ensure funds and aid reach affected communities.
Authorities and aid groups will continue to monitor shelter conditions and public health risks in the coming days as search, relief and recovery operations proceed.
Primary source: VINO