Spanish death toll in Venezuela quakes rises to 27 amid rescue efforts

The number of Spanish nationals confirmed dead in the devastating double earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 27, with 137 still missing and 11 trapped under rubble, according to the latest update from Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 2 Source: ABC. The figures have fluctuated over the past days, with earlier reports from June 30 citing 18 deaths Source: La Vanguardia, then 19 on July 1 Source: Diario Libre, before rising to 26 later that day Source: El Mundo and finally 27 on July 2 Source: Infobae. Confusion arose when Minister José Manuel Albares initially mentioned 29 deaths in a morning statement, but later corrected it to 26, attributing it to a slip Source: Diario Libre.

Aid and repatriation

Spain has deployed a field hospital (START) operated by the AECID, including surgeons and psychologists, to support the overwhelmed Venezuelan health system Source: Euronews. The team was seen off at Madrid-Barajas airport by Queen Letizia and Minister Albares, who praised the professionalism of the Spanish cooperants Source: El Mundo. Additionally, a repatriation flight arrived in Madrid on July 1 with 130 passengers, including 92 Spanish nationals, and further flights are planned Source: ABC. Spain has also allocated €300,000 for shelter materials, while the Reina Sofía Foundation donated €120,000 in medical supplies .