CARACAS, Venezuela, July 19: The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela last month has risen to 5,119, according to an official government report, as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced emergency financial support of $346 million to aid recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said Friday that Venezuela had accessed $346 million from its own IMF reserve tranche, with the funds earmarked to help affected communities, rebuild infrastructure, and restore essential public services.
“Following the devastating double earthquake that struck our country, Venezuela initially accessed US$346 million from its own resources at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which will be allocated to the recovery and reconstruction process in the wake of the tragedy,” Rodriguez said in a statement posted on X.
She said the funding would support families affected by the disaster, including assistance for housing, infrastructure, and basic services.
“I would like to thank IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva for her support and commitment, as well as all the institutions that made this important step possible. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our people and drive the country’s recovery forward,” Rodriguez added.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva confirmed the release of the emergency funds and expressed solidarity with those affected.
“My heart is with the people of Venezuela as they recover from the devastating earthquakes. We worked with key counterparts to help Venezuela access its own resources at the Fund for urgent humanitarian needs, and the authorities have now drawn US$346 million from their reserve tranche,” Georgieva said in a post on X.
According to an official report released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, the disaster has left 16,740 people injured, while 6,462 people have been rescued.
More than 128,000 families have received assistance, and 107 temporary shelters have been established to accommodate over 21,000 displaced people.
The report said 17,907 people have been left homeless, with 856 buildings damaged and 190 buildings collapsing.
Authorities have distributed more than 10 million food supplies and over 32 million liters of water as part of the relief effort.
The government said 2,278 international rescue personnel, nearly 31,000 emergency responders, and more than 31,000 volunteers are participating in rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations.
The twin earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks caused widespread destruction across the affected regions. Officials reported 1,350 aftershocks following the main seismic events.
Last month, twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck northern Venezuela, causing extensive damage and widespread devastation. (ANI)
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