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Death Toll From Venezuela Earthquakes Rises to 3,811
Officials said 16,740 people were injured and 17,907 were left homeless as Venezuela seeks funds for reconstruction.
On Thursday, July 9, 2026, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez released official figures from Venezuela's June 24 twin earthquakes, reporting 3,811 deaths, 16,740 injured, and 17,907 homeless.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez urged international powers to release blocked overseas assets, arguing "Venezuela has resources blocked around the world that could address this process of reconstruction."
The Bank of England has refused to release 31 tons of Venezuelan gold held in its vaults, despite Rodriguez's formal request to King Charles. The bullion remains contested in British courts.
Washington authorized earthquake relief transactions for four months, temporarily easing sanctions restrictions. However, many measures imposed by Washington and the European Union over two decades remain active.
Rodriguez engaged the International Monetary Fund regarding fund releases, as sanctions originally imposed over allegations of anti-democratic activity and drug trafficking continue restricting the government's access to capital.