Venezuela Earthquakes: Death Toll Surpasses 5,000 as IMF Unlocks Crucial Funds for Reconstruction

A devastating series of earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in their wake. The twin earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, hit the coastal state of La Guaira, located north of Caracas, causing widespread devastation and claiming the lives of over 5,000 people. According to National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez, the death toll stands at 5,069, with the majority of casualties occurring in the coastal region. The number of injured remains at 16,740, with most having been discharged from hospitals. In a bid to support the affected communities, Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced that the country has accessed $346 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for earthquake reconstruction. This move comes as a significant relief to the thousands of people left homeless by the disaster, with many struggling to access basic necessities like water and sanitation in overcrowded camps. The IMF's decision to release these funds marks a significant shift in the institution's stance towards Venezuela, which had previously been blocked from accessing its resources due to a dispute over the country's leadership.