Venezuela earthquake death toll exceeds 5,000 as IMF releases emergency funds

The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela's Caribbean coast on June 24 has risen to 5,069, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez. Most of the fatalities occurred in La Guaira, where the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes caused extensive damage to residential towers, the main international airport and a major seaport. Rodriguez said 16,740 people were injured, but most have been discharged from hospitals.

Rescue teams continue to clear collapsed structures and reach areas that were difficult to access in the immediate aftermath. Authorities report more than 1,300 aftershocks and estimate that about 20,000 residents remain displaced, many living in overcrowded shelters with limited access to clean water and sanitation.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced that Venezuela has secured $346 million in emergency financing from the International Monetary Fund. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva confirmed the funds are being drawn from Venezuela's reserve tranche to address urgent humanitarian needs.

The IMF and World Bank re-established relations with Venezuela in April, after suspending ties in 2019 following the suspension of recognition of the Maduro government. Reuters reported that the early rescue effort was hindered by delayed military deployment orders, shortages of basic rescue equipment and confusion from overlapping chains of command, according to military and diplomatic sources.