Venezuela expects more than 3,340 dead after the earthquakes of 24 June

Alongside the dead, the authorities assume more than 16,000 injured; the Ministry of Information most recently spoke of 16,470 injured. In addition, according to official figures, 17,345 people lost their homes, 190 buildings were completely destroyed and at least 856 others severely damaged – including several hospitals. Several bridges and roads have been completely impassable since the quakes. The main shocks were followed by further weaker aftershocks.

The United Nations estimates that up to 50,000 people could be missing following the earthquakes. The US earthquake observatory USGS, according to its own estimates, assumes up to 10,000 dead. The Venezuelan government has so far not released any information on how many people are still missing. Previously, around 2,900 deaths had been reported.

Government defends its actions

Transitional President Delcy Rodríguez said she had deployed security forces to the disaster area immediately after the catastrophe. She also announced the creation of a new military unit for dealing with emergencies and disasters. In a speech on the occasion of the country's 215th Independence Day, Rodríguez defended the government's actions. Transitional President Rodríguez rejected criticism of the rescue efforts.

Survivors and aid organisations, by contrast, accuse the Venezuelan authorities of reacting too slowly and inefficiently. There is a lack of heavy equipment for clearing rubble, which is why the recovery work is being carried out mainly by civilians and foreign helpers. ZDF reporter Christian Semm also accompanied helpers in Venezuela in the search for survivors.

International aid and helpers on the ground

Emergency teams from a total of seven countries are involved in the rescue operations, including helpers from Chile and the United States. In hard-to-reach areas, motorcyclists – coordinated by influencers and motorcycle clubs – organise the delivery of relief supplies. Despite these efforts, conditions for the rescue teams remain difficult.

Survivor pulled from rubble after eight days

One case that attracted international attention is the rescue of the 43-year-old security guard Hernán Gil. He was pulled out alive from the rubble of a multi-storey building in Catia La Mar eight days after the double earthquake on Thursday, after two rescuers from Chile and the United States had reached him in an operation lasting more than three days. The second quake was incredibly strong, as Hernán Gil later recounted. He said that stones had fallen on his head when the building collapsed and that he had briefly lost consciousness. He is now recovering in hospital from his injuries. Hernán Gil said: "Ich wurde wiedergeboren".

The government is under growing pressure; the international community and aid organisations are demanding more transparency about the situation of the missing and better equipment for the rescue teams. It remains unclear how many people are actually still presumed to be under the rubble and how the provision for the more than 17,000 homeless will be organised in the coming weeks.