CARACAS, July 7. /Dunyo IA/. Death toll from powerful earthquakes in Venezuela has exceeded 3,500 people, while tens of thousands of residents remain missing, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing NBC News.

Twelve days after the twin earthquakes that caused widespread destruction in several regions of the country, search and rescue operations are gradually shifting from efforts to find survivors to recovering bodies from the rubble.

Vigils were held in Caracas and Maracaibo in memory of those who lost their lives. Residents lit candles and expressed support for the families of those who remain missing. Earlier, Venezuelan authorities declared seven days of national mourning.

According to official data, more than 850 buildings were damaged or destroyed as a result of the earthquakes. However, satellite data from NASA indicate that the actual number of completely destroyed structures could be significantly higher, reaching nearly 59,000, including schools and medical facilities.

More than 17,000 people have been left homeless. Reconstruction efforts have begun in affected areas, but the country’s healthcare system is facing severe pressure due to the large number of injured people and a shortage of resources.

Rescue teams and humanitarian organizations warn that the final death toll could rise. According to estimates by the U.S. Geological Survey, the total number of fatalities could range from 10,000 to 100,000, depending on the scale of the destruction and the ability to provide assistance to those affected.