The Venezuela earthquake disaster has claimed more than 3,300 lives, with authorities confirming that search and rescue operations are gradually shifting towards recovery efforts after two powerful earthquakes devastated parts of the country nearly two weeks ago.

According to Venezuela's Information Ministry, at least 3,342 people have died and more than 16,700 others have been injured following the twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. The updated figures were released 11 days after the disaster, as emergency teams continued searching collapsed buildings for survivors and victims.

President Defends Response

Speaking during a military ceremony marking Venezuela's Independence Day, Interim President Delcy Rodríguez defended the government's handling of the disaster and rejected concerns about possible social instability.

Rodríguez said the country had responded with unity and solidarity, adding that thousands of public officials, military personnel and rescue workers had been deployed to support affected communities. She maintained that Venezuela would remain stable despite the scale of the humanitarian crisis.

Government officials said emergency agencies continue to coordinate relief distribution, medical assistance and temporary shelter for thousands of displaced residents.

Rescue Operations Wind Down

International rescue teams have begun concluding their search operations as hopes of finding more survivors diminish with each passing day.

Emergency responders are now focusing increasingly on recovering bodies trapped beneath collapsed buildings. According to officials, the extensive destruction has complicated rescue efforts, with many structures reduced to large piles of concrete and twisted steel.

Authorities expect the number of fatalities to increase further as heavy machinery is brought in to clear debris during the reconstruction phase.

Identification Challenges Grow

Forensic teams are facing mounting challenges in identifying victims recovered from the disaster zone.

According to forensic technician Joel Mirabal, relatives and neighbours have been able to identify many victims through tattoos, scars and clothing. However, prolonged exposure beneath rubble has made identification increasingly difficult in numerous cases.

Officials said unidentified bodies are being transferred to forensic facilities at La Guaira seaport, where additional cold storage containers donated by private companies are being used to preserve remains while identification work continues.

Mass Burials Considered

Authorities acknowledged that the growing number of fatalities may require mass burial arrangements if identification efforts become overwhelmed.

Forensic officials indicated that the collapse of multiple residential areas has left many victims buried beneath deep layers of debris, slowing recovery operations considerably. Recovery teams expect additional bodies to be found as demolition and reconstruction activities progress across the affected regions.

Government agencies have not announced a final timeline for completing search and recovery operations.

Relief And Recovery

Emergency services continue to provide food, medical care and temporary accommodation to thousands of survivors displaced by the earthquakes. Humanitarian organisations and international partners have also contributed rescue equipment, medical supplies and logistical support to assist relief operations.

Authorities said reconstruction planning has begun, although immediate priority remains focused on clearing debris, restoring essential services and supporting affected families.