The official death toll from the double earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24 has reached 4,490 as of Sunday, July 12, 2026, according to government figures released on social media.
The disaster also left 16,740 people injured and displaced more than 19,500 residents to temporary camps across Caracas and the neighboring state of La Guaira.
>>> US Intervention and Earthquakes Reshape Venezuela's Political Landscape
In La Guaira, 190 buildings completely collapsed and over 850 were damaged.
International aid has continued to arrive, including food and supplies from Russia and 100,000 assistance kits delivered by the United States embassy.
The recovery operations coincide with a diplomatic row sparked by Colombian President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, who suggested his country should direct the rebuilding efforts.
"La reconstrucción de Venezuela luego del terremoto tiene que hacerla Colombia," stated De la Espriella, an ally of U.
S. President Donald Trump.
He noted that the initiative would involve Colombian military engineers and private companies, adding that he planned to pitch the idea to the United States.
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"En ningún momento se planteó desconocer la soberanía de Venezuela ni sustituir las responsabilidades que corresponden a sus autoridades," he said, clarifying that the recovery process could benefit from regional technical expertise and international solidarity while maintaining full respect for international law.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil rejected the proposal, stating via social media that the Venezuelan government observed the initial remarks from Colombia with estrangement.
"Corresponde exclusivamente al Estado venezolano la conducción, planificación y ejecución del proceso de recuperación, reconstrucción y desarrollo integral de las zonas afectadas," Gil said.
Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro also weighed in on social media, highlighting the high population of Colombians living in Venezuela.
"La responsabilidad no puede recaer solo en el Estado y gobierno venezolano (más allá de preferencias ideológicas): el gobierno colombiano debe actuar tanto en proporción a la gravedad de la tragedia como a la presencia de la comunidad colombiana," Petro stated.
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He concluded that an important additional effort must be made by his administration before its term concludes on August 7.
