The Nightmare Isn't Over: Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Surges Past 5,000

Venezuela's earthquake disaster continues to grow in scale, with the official death toll rising to 5,069 as recovery teams uncover more victims from beneath the rubble left by the twin earthquakes that struck the country last month. Authorities said the number of injured remains unchanged at 16,740 , while search and debris-clearing operations are still underway in the worst-affected regions.

The latest figures were released by the government late Friday, nearly a month after the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck June 24 , leaving widespread destruction across several parts of the country. Officials attributed the increase in fatalities to ongoing recovery efforts, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira , which bore the brunt of the disaster due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea.

Authorities also reported that 1,331 aftershocks have been recorded since the devastating quakes, adding to the challenges faced by rescue teams and residents attempting to rebuild their lives. The repeated tremors have hampered recovery work and heightened concerns over the stability of damaged structures.

According to official estimates, 856 buildings have suffered damage, while 190 buildings collapsed completely . Essential infrastructure, including roads, bridges and other public facilities , also sustained significant damage, disrupting transportation and slowing relief efforts in several affected areas.

Emergency workers continue to remove debris, recover victims and assist displaced families as authorities assess the structural safety of buildings and restore essential services. With thousands of people still coping with the aftermath of one of the country's deadliest natural disasters, recovery operations are expected to continue for weeks.