LA GUAIRA — The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, increased to 3,342, with 16,740 people reported injured. Authorities announced the updated figures on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

Recovery efforts are ongoing, though some international rescue teams have departed. Rescue teams from Italy, Argentina, and Spain have left Venezuela, while Mexican rescue teams remain in the country. The Venezuelan government has not officially called off the search for survivors.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez stated on Saturday that Venezuela is now entering a process of infrastructure and housing recovery. The government has announced reconstruction plans under a program named Venezuela Reborn.

Reports from La Guaira describe the advanced state of decomposition of bodies being recovered. William Gomez, a firefighter in La Guaira, said that the bodies are in such a state that they often fall apart during removal attempts. "It has been difficult because the bodies are already in an advanced state of decomposition, decomposed to such an extent that many times when we try to remove them, they fall apart," Gomez said.

Residents have reported difficulties in receiving state assistance for recovery efforts. Noel Márquez, an earthquake survivor, stated that he did not receive a response from the state to help recover his brother. "We couldn't get my brother out because we didn't get a response from the state ... and after 11 days, we are still requesting a crane," Márquez said. He added, "It's unfair. It's inhumane, everything that is happening."

Why It Matters

The death and injury toll from the Venezuelan earthquakes reflects the human impact of the disaster. The government's announcement of reconstruction plans and the continuation of some international aid efforts occur alongside challenges in recovery, including the advanced decomposition of bodies and claims of insufficient state support. The reported difficulties in recovery efforts contrast with the government's official statements regarding a new phase of infrastructure and housing recovery.