- More than 16,700 people were injured.
- Nearly 18,000 people find themselves homeless.
- Venezuela demands release of gold held by Bank of England.
CARACAS: The death toll from Venezuela’s two earthquakes stands at 3,811, according to figures released Wednesday by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez.
The latest report puts the number of injured during the June 24 earthquake at 16,740 and that of the homeless at 17,907.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez renewed calls for lifting international sanctions on Venezuela to help rebuild after the earthquake, saying the country had enough assets abroad to help finance reconstruction if blocked accounts were released.
“Venezuela has resources blocked around the world that could enable this reconstruction process,” the president said on state broadcaster VTV, adding that funds were also needed for employment and education programs.
The United States, European Union and other countries have imposed successively tougher sanctions on Venezuela over the past two decades over allegations that the government engages in undemocratic activities and that the country is a haven for drug trafficking.
Many measures remain in place. But after the United States captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this year, Washington provided targeted aid to the country’s oil sector.
After the earthquakes, the United States allowed transactions related to earthquake relief for four months that would have been prohibited by sanctions.
Delcy Rodriguez said she had sent a letter to King Charles requesting the release of Venezuelan gold held at the Bank of England. She also said she had spoken with the head of the International Monetary Fund about releasing the funds.
The Bank of England has refused to return some 31 tonnes of Venezuelan gold held in its vaults. The bullion is the subject of a long legal battle in the British courts.
