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Death toll

Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 3,889 as recovery efforts continue

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Venezuela earthquake

CARACAS: The death toll from the powerful twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela two weeks ago has risen to 3,889, while nearly 17,000 people have been injured and about 18,000 displaced, according to the latest official figures.

The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, which struck on June 24, caused widespread destruction across several regions.

The coastal state of La Guaira was among the hardest hit, with more than 800 buildings damaged and 190 completely destroyed, authorities said.

Search-and-rescue operations have largely transitioned into recovery efforts after two weeks, although many families continue searching for missing loved ones amid the devastation.

The United Nations is seeking $300 million in humanitarian assistance to support Venezuela’s recovery, while the Venezuelan government is also pursuing access to frozen overseas assets and international financial support to help fund reconstruction efforts

Powerful earthquakes strike Venezuela, death toll rises to 167

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Powerful earthquakes

CARACAS, Venezuela: Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within minutes of each other, causing widespread destruction across the country and prompting fears that the death toll could rise significantly as rescue efforts continue.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, an initial magnitude 7.1 earthquake was followed minutes later by a stronger magnitude 7.5 quake. The tremors struck around 6 p.m. local time, shaking buildings and triggering panic in several cities.

Authorities reported extensive damage in the capital, Caracas, and other urban centers, where dozens of buildings collapsed. Emergency officials warned that many people could still be trapped beneath the rubble.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez described the disaster as a national tragedy, saying numerous structures had been destroyed and that Caracas’ main Maiquetía International Airport had suffered significant damage.

Rodríguez said at least 167 people had been confirmed dead and more than 970 injured. Rescue teams have been deployed across affected areas following the government’s declaration of a state of emergency.

The U.S. Geological Survey warned that the earthquakes could result in a far higher casualty toll, estimating that fatalities could ultimately range from 10,000 to 100,000 if the worst-case scenario materializes.

Meanwhile, a separate magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck northern California, prompting authorities to issue alerts to nearly one million residents. No major damage or casualties were immediately reported.

U.S. President Donald Trump said early reports from Venezuela were alarming and indicated significant loss of life. He said U.S. agencies had been directed to provide immediate assistance.

Separately, Iran offered support for relief operations. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei expressed condolences and said Tehran was prepared to provide any assistance needed to help Venezuelan authorities and affected communities.

Spain also announced plans to deploy a military emergency response unit to assist with rescue efforts. Spain’s Defense Ministry said a 54-member team equipped with specially trained search dogs, rescue cameras and geophones was preparing to travel to Venezuela.

Death toll at Gul Plaza hits 73 as search operation concludes

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Death toll

KARACHI: The rescue and search operation at Gul Plaza concluded on its ninth day, with authorities recovering two more bodies from the debris, bringing the death toll to 73.

Using DNA testing, officials have identified another victim, taking the total number of identified bodies to 23. Of the 79 people reported missing, only six remain unaccounted for.

Deputy Commissioner South, Javed Nabi Khosa, stated that the building will be sealed today. Families of 13 missing persons have neither contacted authorities nor provided DNA samples, while 55 families have submitted DNA samples.

Data for 30 deceased victims has been sent to the government to facilitate compensation, and checks will soon be distributed among the bereaved families.

SSP City, Arif Aziz, added that a case was registered yesterday, and statements are being recorded. So far, statements from 10 individuals, including six guards, have been taken. Authorities plan to collect information from CCTV footage to determine negligence or misconduct, ensuring that all aspects of the tragedy are fully investigated.

Death toll in Gul Plaza fire rises to 67 as search operation continues

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Death toll

KARACHI: The recovery and search operation at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road continued for the sixth consecutive day on Thursday, as authorities recovered additional human remains, raising the death toll to 67.

According to a spokesperson for the Sindh Health Department, post-mortem examinations of all recovered bodies have been completed. A total of 45 DNA samples have been collected from bodies and body parts, while eight victims have been positively identified through DNA testing.

The spokesperson added that six bodies were recovered intact, while one victim was identified through a national identity card.

Earlier, rescue officials stated that the search operation is being carried out with the support of the plaza association and is expected to be completed soon.

They confirmed that debris removal is ongoing, during which more remains were discovered and shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi for legal formalities.

Rescue teams also reported that 16 out of 61 motorcycles parked on the rooftop have been removed so far.

Building declared unsafe

Following a joint inspection by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and the Pakistan Engineering Council, the technical committee declared Gul Plaza structurally unsafe and recommended its demolition after completion of the rescue operation.

Officials said the plaza covers 8,124 square yards and consists of 1,102 shops. Adjacent buildings have also been inspected for safety concerns.

Karachi Mayor visits affected families

Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited the homes of victims, including Rahman, Hissam, and Sarfaraz, to offer condolences.

“Human life has no substitute. We will not rest until the affected families are fully rehabilitated,” the mayor said.

He also announced financial and business rehabilitation support for the victims, adding that rescue personnel of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation remain actively engaged in the operation.

Authorities reiterated that every effort is being made to recover and hand over victims’ remains to their families at the earliest.

Death toll from Hurricane Melissa rises to 50 in Caribbean

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Death toll

KINGSTON: At least 50 people have been killed as Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc across several Caribbean islands, including Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, according to international news agencies.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that 19 deaths occurred in Jamaica and 30 in Haiti, while 20 people were injured and another 20 remain missing.

Authorities said the hurricane caused severe damage to homes, roads, and power infrastructure, forcing the evacuation of nearly 800,000 residents from affected areas.

The NHC added that after devastating parts of Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, the storm is now moving toward Bermuda, where a hurricane warning has been issued.