Venezuela earthquake rescue ends as death toll dispute emerges

A week after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, rescue operations are winding down, with no survivors expected to be found under the rubble. The official death toll has reached at least 1,943 according to one government tally Source: listindiario, while another source reports 2,295 dead Source: elcolombiano. The UN estimates around 50,000 people remain missing.

Search operations conclude

Rescue teams have marked most collapsed buildings in the coastal state of La Guaira with a 'D' for deceased, indicating thorough inspection. "No se pierde el tiempo en un lugar donde no se espera recuperar personas con vida," said Javier Rodes, a Spanish rescue coordinator Source: elcolombiano. A rare success came with the rescue of a three-year-old child by Jordanian team on Tuesday.

Displaced population faces crisis

Attention is shifting to the thousands left homeless. The government reports 13,000–16,000 displaced, while the UN puts the figure at up to 7 million. Many are living in open-air camps without adequate food, water, or shelter. "Aquí no estaba entrando nada de ayuda," said Fátima Berroterán, a resident of La Guaira Source: listindiario. President Delcy Rodríguez has declared seven days of national mourning, but families demand transparent casualty figures. "Les pido que digan la verdad sobre las cifras de muertos," pleaded Gladys Barrios, 76 Source: elcolombiano.