Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Nears 3,000

The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 2,954, authorities confirmed on Saturday, as international search-and-rescue teams begin scaling back emergency operations after nearly two weeks of intensive efforts.

Officials said tens of thousands of people remain unaccounted for, although the Venezuelan government has not released an official figure for those still missing. The United Nations estimates that up to 50,000 people could still be unaccounted for following the consecutive 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes.

The La Guaira coastal state, located north of the capital Caracas, suffered the heaviest destruction, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. Rescue workers continued to recover survivors during the past week, but operations are now shifting toward debris removal using heavy machinery. Many families remain at collapsed buildings, searching for missing relatives and the bodies of loved ones.

Meanwhile, Maiquetía International Airport in La Guaira has partially resumed operations to facilitate humanitarian aid flights. Venezuelan authorities said they are working closely with international partners to fully restore airport services and expect to finalize broader recovery plans next week.

As emergency rescue efforts gradually come to an end, acting President Delcy Rodríguez led a ceremony honoring international search-and-rescue teams, including specialized canine units, for their support.

Rodríguez described the disaster as a period of "profound national grief," saying many families continue to hope their missing relatives will be found alive, while countless others face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives after losing homes and loved ones.