Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 3,685 as recovery efforts accelerate

The death toll from twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has climbed to 3,685 as of 7 July, with nearly 17,000 people injured and tens of thousands displaced across the coastal region of La Guaira, considered the disaster's epicentre. The magnitude 7.2 foreshock and 7.5 mainshock hit within 39 seconds of each other on 24 June, roughly 200 kilometres from Caracas, causing an estimated $6.7 billion in damage. The United Nations estimates up to 50,000 people remain missing, while 17,907 have been left homeless. Among the dead, 100 Portuguese nationals and descendants have been confirmed killed. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez announced the imminent reopening of Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía using an alternative runway, after the quakes damaged the facility serving the capital.