The death toll from the devastating 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has climbed to 1,719, according to National Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodríguez. With over 500 aftershocks complicating ongoing recovery efforts, UN Coordinator Gianluca Rampolla Del Tindaro reported that at least 2,500 buildings were either damaged or destroyed. Despite the widespread devastation, particularly in the hard-hit region of La Guaira, Del Tindaro offered a glimmer of hope, noting that “international rescue teams managed to rescue seven people alive” even after the critical 72-hour window had passed. Meanwhile, search operations continue around the clock as crews recover victims from the rubble and displaced survivors line the roadsides with their salvaged belongings.