Death toll rises after devastating earthquakes

The latest figure is up from the 4,118 deaths reported a day earlier. The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira on June 24, causing widespread destruction and reducing several high-rise buildings to rubble.

Thousands displaced as rescue efforts continue

More than 19,000 people who lost their homes are now living in temporary shelters set up in stadiums, public squares and on streets. Medical teams from Venezuela and abroad are providing emergency care, while volunteers continue distributing food and essential supplies.

Rodriguez did not reveal how many people remain missing, but the United Nations has estimated that around 50,000 people are still unaccounted for. He said search operations would continue, rejecting concerns that authorities might halt efforts or clear debris without properly accounting for victims.

Government plans major housing response

The government estimates that about 25,000 homes will be needed to shelter those displaced by the disaster. Authorities are preparing to provide some apartments that were already under construction before the earthquakes, while additional resources will be required for new housing projects, rental assistance and property loans.

New housing sites identified in La Guaira

More than 40 plots of land in La Guaira, covering approximately 584,000 square meters, have been allocated for new housing developments. Rodriguez said the sites were chosen on safer inland plains away from coastal areas where hundreds of buildings were damaged and more than 180 collapsed completely.

Venezuela seeks release of gold reserves

Meanwhile, interim President Delcy Rodriguez has appealed to Britain’s King Charles III to release Venezuela’s gold reserves currently held at the Bank of England.