The government of Venezuela reported that the death toll from twin earthquakes on June 24 rose above 4,000, with more than 16,000 people injured and thousands missing.

The 7.5‑magnitude quake, the strongest in the country in over a century, struck 39 seconds after a 7.2‑magnitude shock, causing the collapse of multiple high‑rise buildings in La Guaira.

A 3.0‑magnitude tremor in Caracas on Friday triggered panic and building evacuations.

Rescue operations were suspended, but families continued to search the debris for victims.

The United Nations announced an appeal for nearly $300 million to assist 1.3 million people requiring urgent aid.

The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction estimated total physical damage at $37 billion.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez called for the release of frozen assets abroad, including about 30 tons of Venezuelan gold held under UK sanctions, to support recovery.

She defended the government’s emergency response and said the country would avoid social unrest.

Critics expressed anger over the perceived delay in international assistance.

The recovery effort faces a substantial challenge given the country’s prolonged economic crisis and the scale of destruction.