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Venezuela quake death toll tops 5,000 as IMF releases emergency aid
Al Jazeera • • general
Key Points:
- The death toll from the twin earthquakes on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast has surpassed 5,000, with 5,069 confirmed deaths mainly in La Guaira, and over 16,700 injured, many now discharged from hospitals.
- The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes on June 24 caused severe destruction in La Guaira, damaging key infrastructure including the main international airport and seaport, and leaving about 20,000 people displaced in overcrowded shelters.
- Venezuela has secured $346 million in emergency financing from the IMF to address urgent humanitarian needs, marking a significant development after the IMF and World Bank restored relations with the country earlier this year.
- Public criticism has intensified over the government's slow response to the disaster, with a Reuters investigation revealing that rescue efforts were hindered by delayed military orders, equipment shortages, and command confusion during the critical initial days.
