Death Toll in Venezuelan Earthquakes Rises to 2,295 Amid Worsening Humanitarian Crisis

Jorge Rodriguez, President of Venezuela's National Assembly, reported on Tuesday that the death toll from last week's devastating twin earthquakes in northern Venezuela has risen to 2,295. The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and occurring minutes apart, caused widespread destruction in coastal towns of La Guaira state. Official figures also indicate over 11,267 injured and more than 12,800 displaced residents whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez described the disaster as the most brutal natural catastrophe in Venezuela's history. Rescue teams, including international aid workers, continue to search through the rubble, while UN officials warn the death toll is expected to climb further. The US Geological Survey estimates that approximately 58,870 buildings were destroyed or heavily damaged. Experts fear thousands more may be dead as tens of thousands remain missing.

The local Jewish community in Caracas suffered significant losses, with at least two members confirmed dead and several missing. Hundreds of Jewish families lost their homes, and the community center "La Braika" has been converted into a temporary shelter housing over 400 people. Many families have been forced to sleep in plastic chairs or inside crowded cars on the club’s soccer field.

The United Nations is preparing for the worst-case scenario by procuring 10,000 body bags, while unofficial sources estimate the death toll could reach 40,000. A dedicated disaster website has recorded 46,000 missing persons so far. The humanitarian crisis deepens as thousands of families lack food, water, and medicine. Despite ongoing international aid efforts, the scale of destruction hampers delivery of assistance to all affected individuals.