The death toll from Venezuela’s twin earthquakes has climbed to 3,811, while 16,740 people have been injured and 17,907 left homeless, according to updated figures released on Wednesday by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez.
As recovery efforts continued, Interim President Delcy Rodriguez renewed calls for international sanctions on Venezuela to be lifted, arguing that the country’s frozen overseas assets could help finance reconstruction.
“Venezuela has resources blocked around the world that could address this process of reconstruction,” Rodriguez said on state television, adding that the funds were also needed to support employment and education programmes.
The United States, the European Union and several other countries have imposed sanctions on Venezuela over the past two decades, citing concerns over democratic governance and alleged links to drug trafficking. While many restrictions remain in place, Washington eased some measures on Venezuela’s oil sector earlier this year following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.