Rodriguez: Death toll of Venezuela quakes stands at 2,595

Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez reported that the death toll from the recent earthquakes has reached 2,595 as of July 2, 2026, marking a significant increase from earlier estimates. The twin earthquakes, which struck on June 24, have caused widespread destruction, particularly in the northern state of La Guaira, where infrastructure damage has been extensive.

The government has declared a seven-day national mourning period in response to the disaster, and Rodríguez has emphasized the need for international support to manage the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The United Nations has estimated that up to 6.8 million of Venezuela’s nearly 30 million residents may be affected by the earthquakes, with many losing access to essential services such as electricity and clean water.

The U.S. government has pledged over $300 million in aid and deployed military personnel to assist with rescue and relief operations, including the repair of the La Guaira port and the management of air traffic at the damaged Simón Bolívar International Airport. Despite these efforts, concerns persist about the capacity of Venezuela’s cash-strapped government to coordinate an effective response.

The economic and political instability in Venezuela has further complicated recovery efforts, with experts noting that the country’s weakened infrastructure and limited resources have hindered the speed and scale of the response. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains closely monitoring the crisis and its potential long-term implications for Venezuela’s economy and political landscape.