Caracas, Venezuela – Web Desk: The death toll from Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes has risen to 3,811, according to figures released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on Wednesday, as the government intensifies calls for international sanctions relief to access frozen assets for reconstruction.
The latest tally also reports 16,740 injured and 17,907 people left homeless following the June 24 quakes that shattered communities along Venezuela’s northern coast. The disaster has overwhelmed local hospitals and displaced tens of thousands, with rescue workers continuing to search through rubble in hardest-hit areas including La Guaira state.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez renewed appeals for the lifting of international sanctions, arguing that Venezuela has sufficient overseas assets to finance recovery efforts if blocked accounts are released.
“Venezuela has resources blocked around the world that could address this process of reconstruction,” Rodriguez said on state television channel VTV, adding that funds are also critically needed for employment and education programs.
The United States, European Union, and other nations imposed successive sanctions on Venezuela over the past two decades, citing allegations of anti-democratic activities and drug trafficking ties. Many measures remain active, though Washington provided targeted relief to Venezuela’s oil sector after capturing former President Nicolas Maduro earlier this year.
In the wake of the earthquakes, the US authorized a four-month exemption for transactions related to earthquake relief that would otherwise have been prohibited by sanctions.
Rodriguez also revealed she has written to King Charles III requesting the release of Venezuelan gold reserves held at the Bank of England—approximately 31 tons of bullion that has been locked in a protracted legal battle in British courts. She additionally confirmed discussions with the International Monetary Fund about unlocking emergency funding.
The disaster has intensified international scrutiny on Venezuela’s frozen assets, as humanitarian groups warn that without access to these funds, reconstruction efforts could stall, prolonging suffering for hundreds of thousands of affected citizens.
