Caracas (Venezuela), July 19, 2026, BNN Web Staff: Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis has deepened as the death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck the country last month has climbed to 5,119, according to an official government report.
In a major relief measure, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released USD 346 million in emergency financial support to aid reconstruction and recovery efforts.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced that the funds, drawn from Venezuela’s own IMF reserve resources, will be used to rebuild damaged infrastructure, restore essential public services and provide assistance to families affected by the disaster.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Rodriguez said the financial support would accelerate rehabilitation work and help communities recover from one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters in recent years.
She also expressed gratitude to IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and the institutions involved in facilitating the emergency funding, saying the government remains committed to supporting citizens impacted by the tragedy.
Georgieva confirmed the release of the funds, stating that the IMF had worked closely with Venezuelan authorities to enable access to the country’s reserve tranche for urgent humanitarian needs. She also conveyed her sympathies to those affected by the earthquakes.
According to the latest official assessment presented by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, the earthquakes have left 16,740 people injured, while 6,462 survivors have been rescued since rescue operations began.
The report said more than 128,000 families have received humanitarian assistance, with 107 temporary shelters currently housing over 21,000 displaced residents.
Authorities reported that 17,907 people have lost their homes. The disaster damaged 856 buildings, including 190 structures that completely collapsed.
Relief agencies have distributed more than 10 million food items and 32 million litres of drinking water to affected communities as emergency operations continue.
The government said nearly 31,000 emergency personnel, supported by 2,278 international rescue workers and more than 31,000 volunteers, remain engaged in rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts across the affected regions.
Officials also confirmed that the country has experienced 1,350 aftershocks since the twin earthquakes, complicating rescue operations and increasing concerns over structural safety.
The powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck northern Venezuela last month, triggering widespread destruction and displacing thousands.
Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage while recovery efforts remain underway.
