Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 5,000, IMF Releases Funds

La Guaira: (Web Desk) – More than 5,000 people have died following the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela last month, as authorities announced emergency funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support reconstruction efforts.

The powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck within a minute of each other on June 24, devastating the coastal state of La Guaira, north of the capital, Caracas.

National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez said the death toll has reached 5,069, with the majority of fatalities reported in La Guaira, the region hardest hit by the disaster.

Officials said the number of injured remains at 16,740, adding that most of those hurt have already been discharged from hospitals.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced that Venezuela has secured $346 million from the IMF to help finance reconstruction and humanitarian relief following the disaster.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva confirmed the release of the funds, stating that the institution worked with relevant authorities to enable Venezuela to access its own reserve resources for urgent humanitarian needs through its reserve tranche.

Authorities said around 20,000 people displaced by the earthquakes are currently living in temporary camps, many of which face shortages of clean water and adequate sanitation facilities.

Venezuela holds 3.568 billion Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) at the IMF, equivalent to roughly $5.1 billion. Access to these resources had previously been restricted because the IMF did not recognize Nicolas Maduro as the country’s president.

The IMF and the World Bank resumed relations with Venezuela in April after years of suspension, following political changes in the country earlier this year.