The death toll from the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela has climbed to more than 2,600, according to the country’s interim president, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors in affected areas.
Interim President Rodríguez said the number of confirmed deaths had reached 2,600, while more than 11,000 people have been injured in the disaster.
Officials said the coastal state of La Guaira suffered some of the worst destruction, with nearly all government officials in the province reportedly among those killed. Authorities also confirmed that 189 buildings were completely destroyed by the powerful earthquakes.
Despite the rising death toll, search and rescue operations remain ongoing. The interim president said emergency teams have not ended rescue efforts and continue working to locate survivors trapped under collapsed structures.
Rodríguez also announced plans to establish a $200 million reconstruction fund in cooperation with the International Monetary Fund. The fund will be used to support rebuilding efforts, particularly the construction of homes for families displaced by the disaster.
According to the president, both the IMF and the World Bank have offered financial assistance and loan packages to support Venezuela’s recovery. He said funds released through the IMF programme would be directed toward housing reconstruction and other essential recovery projects.
The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with more than 43,000 people still reported missing. Rescue workers are racing against time to search damaged buildings and isolated communities affected by the disaster.
The United Nations estimates that as many as 6.8 million people may have been affected by the earthquakes, highlighting the scale of the emergency facing the country.
Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious due to the possibility of aftershocks while international aid agencies continue coordinating relief efforts. Emergency supplies, temporary shelters and medical assistance are being mobilised as Venezuela begins the long process of recovery.