Venezuela Quake Death Toll Hits 1,450 as Thousands Flee to Emergency Shelters

Emergency Shelter Opens

Hundreds of people displaced by Venezuela’s deadly earthquakes have sought temporary shelter at the Jose Maria Vargas sports complex in Maiquetia, La Guaira, after the venue was turned into a refuge and collection centre for emergency supplies.

Drone footage filmed on Sunday shows tents and sleeping mats set up across the sports complex, with large canopies covering parts of the site.

Aid Operations Continue

The venue is being used to receive and sort food, water, medicine, clothing and other supplies sent from other regions, including Caracas. It is also providing shelter to families who lost their homes or belongings in the earthquakes.

Paramedics, security personnel and local authorities have been assisting residents arriving at the complex. Many of those sheltering there are from areas including Mare Abajo, 10 de Marzo, Playa Grande and La Aviacion.

Death Toll Rises

The earthquakes, with reported magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, struck Venezuela on June 24, causing widespread damage in La Guaira and other parts of the country.

Authorities stated on Sunday that at least 1,450 people had been killed and more than 3,100 injured. 79,539 reports of missing persons have been issued, of whom 14,695 have been located, and 47,205 remain out of contact throughout the country.