Death toll from double earthquake in Venezuela surpasses 1,700
On June 24, two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale struck Venezuela, causing extensive destruction, particularly in La Guaira and Caracas. Official reports from the President of the Parliament, Jorge Rodriguez, indicate at least 1,719 confirmed deaths, 5,034 injuries, and 15,866 displaced people, while UN sources suggest over 50,000 people remain missing. Over 2,500 structures, including 38 hospitals, have been damaged. International aid efforts are ongoing, involving more than 2,000 rescuers from 27 countries, and the US military has deployed 130 Marines to assist with logistics at the reopened La Guaira port. Amidst the tragedy, rescuers successfully extracted a 21-year-old man, Aaron Levi Cantillo Vargas, in Caraballeda after he was trapped for 106 hours. The UN has prepared 10,000 body bags as rescue operations continue despite the passing of the critical survival window. Authorities report over 500 aftershocks, including a 4.6 magnitude tremor recorded on Monday.