Overview
- Authorities began controlled demolitions in La Guaira on Thursday, using explosives to bring down a tilted 12-story residential tower after soldiers cordoned off the area.
- Rescue teams and family members continue to sift rubble for victims even as officials say they will not demolish buildings where people may still be recovered.
- Official tallies put the June 24 earthquakes at more than 5,500 dead and nearly 17,000 injured with thousands of homes destroyed or damaged, leaving over 23,800 people homeless in La Guaira.
- Lawmakers approved a rental law to ease housing access for quake victims and the government has pledged thousands of homes for the displaced as reconstruction plans confront frozen assets and funding gaps.
- Recovery faces practical limits because damaged ports and airports, shortages of heavy machinery and fuel, and uneven donor commitments will slow rubble clearance and rebuilding for months.