Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 3,535, Thousands Injured

The death toll from the earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 3,535, according to the government, as rescue operations continue amid widespread destruction and humanitarian strain across affected regions.

Government figures released on Monday also confirmed 16,740 people have been injured, while nearly 18,000 remain homeless following the disaster.

Authorities said 6,462 people have been rescued so far as emergency teams continue search and recovery operations in areas hardest hit by the quakes.

The scale of destruction has left large parts of the affected regions struggling with shelter shortages, medical pressure, and damaged infrastructure.

Damage estimates vary widely

Authorities recorded nearly 800 collapsed buildings, 189 of them totally destroyed. A satellite-based analysis from NASA and Oregon State University researchers put the number of damaged or destroyed structures higher than what Venezuelan authorities reported, stating that the number is closer to 58,870.

Economic assessments diverge as well. The UN Development Programme estimated that direct physical damage was $6.7 billion, around 6% of GDP, while risk modeler Verisk projected total economic losses exceeding $10 billion.

Officials further said that the country's oil exports faced only minor disruption, though PDVSA's Catia La Mar fuel terminal, situated in one of the worst-affected zones, is still being inspected for damage.