Around 26,400 people were directly affected by the disaster, including injured people, those suffering from mental health problems and people whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged.Image: keystone
After the severe earthquakes in Venezuela, the death toll has risen to at least 2,295.
07/02/2026, 00:0007/02/2026, 00:00
This was announced by the President of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez. According to authorities, 11,267 people were also injured. Around 26,400 people were directly affected by the disaster, including injured people, those suffering from mental health problems and people whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged.
Meanwhile, the rescue work continues. According to Rodríguez, 6,461 people have been rescued alive from the rubble so far. More than 26,000 emergency services and over 17,000 volunteers are currently deployed in the affected areas. The search for survivors will continue, even if the chances decrease after a week.
According to official figures, 782 aftershocks have been recorded since the double earthquake of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 on June 24th. Although their frequency and strength are decreasing, the risk of another strong earthquake has not yet completely disappeared.
PAHO: Higher risk of disease outbreaks
Given the situation, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warned of a worsening health crisis. The PAHO said the risk of disease outbreaks is increasing due to overwhelmed hospitals, damaged water and sanitation systems and interrupted vaccination programs.
According to the organization, hundreds of thousands of people continue to need medical attention. The PAHO therefore called for international support amounting to 24 million US dollars. Over the next six months, the money will be used, among other things, to purchase medicines and vaccines and to stabilize health care in the most affected regions.
Seven days of national mourning
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez ordered seven days of national mourning for the victims and expressed condolences to their families. At the same time, criticism of their crisis management continues. She was recently booed at a public appearance and came under increasing pressure on social networks for her behavior during the disaster. (sda/dpa)