The Venezuelan government has declared seven days of national mourning for those who lost their lives in the devastating earthquakes that struck the country on June 24. Search and rescue operations are continuing, with thousands of personnel and volunteers working in the disaster zone.
Following the twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude that hit Venezuela on June 24, the government announced a seven-day period of national mourning.
Venezuela’s Interim President Delcy Rodríguez said in a statement posted on social media that the nation was in deep mourning following the devastating disaster.
In her message, Rodríguez expressed solidarity with the families of the victims, stating: “Today, we share the grief of the families who have lost their loved ones, and we pray for the injured, the missing, and all the communities affected by this disaster. In honor of those who lost their lives, I have decided to declare seven days of national mourning, effective today at 6:00 p.m.”
The interim president also emphasized that the government would continue to stand by those affected by the earthquake and that all available resources had been mobilized to support relief efforts.
Aid Delivered to More Than 80,000 Families
According to local media reports, humanitarian assistance has so far reached more than 80,800 families affected by the disaster.
A total of 26,121 personnel from Venezuela are participating in search and rescue operations, while 3,660 rescue workers from various countries, accompanied by 148 trained search-and-rescue dogs and 49 technical vehicles, are assisting the efforts. In addition, 15,467 volunteers are taking part in relief and rescue operations.
Death Toll Could Rise
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela just 39 seconds apart on June 24.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that the earthquakes caused approximately $6.7 billion in direct physical damage.
According to the latest official figures, the death toll has risen to 2,295, while more than 68,000 people have been reported missing by their relatives. Authorities have warned that the number of fatalities could increase as search and rescue operations continue in the hardest-hit areas.