Venezuela’s Earthquake Aftermath: Rising Casualties and Calls for Aid

In the wake of the devastating dual earthquakes in Venezuela, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez has reported that the death toll has now climbed to at least 3,811.

The unfortunate events have rendered around 17,907 people homeless and injured about 16,740 others. The earthquakes, which struck on June 24, devastated buildings, obliterated homes, and trapped countless individuals under debris for several days before rescue operations could commence.

As the numbers continue to rise, Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has reiterated demands for the international community to lift sanctions on Venezuela. This move is intended to secure more aid for recovery efforts following the disaster.

Over the past two decades, Venezuela has become a hotspot for drug trafficking, leading nations like the United States and the EU to impose stringent economic sanctions on the country.

Rodríguez, however, insisted that Venezuela possesses sufficient resources for reconstruction, provided that certain “blocked accounts” are released.

“Venezuela has resources blocked around the world that could assist in reconstruction,” she stated during an appearance on local television channel VTV, adding that funding is also necessary for employment and education initiatives.

Rodríguez has made a formal appeal to King Charles III of Britain and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the release of frozen gold reserves. She argued that these funds belong to the Venezuelan people and are critical for rebuilding infrastructure, hospitals, and schools that have been damaged by the earthquakes.

Currently, about 31 tonnes of Venezuelan gold—valued at roughly $2 billion—are being held at the Bank of England. This gold was originally withheld in 2018 due to growing concerns over the legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro’s electoral victory.

The decision to unfreeze these funds rests with the UK Foreign Office and the courts. However, due to the UK’s refusal to grant full diplomatic recognition to Rodríguez’s interim government, the Bank of England is legally obliged to keep the $2 billion in gold frozen, even amid the worsening humanitarian crisis caused by the earthquakes.

In response to the emergency declared from the twin earthquakes, the U.S. has implemented a four-month humanitarian exemption to allow for relief-related transactions that are otherwise banned by existing sanctions.