The death toll from the double earthquakes that struck Venezuela nearly a month ago has reached 5,346, according to the latest official tally on Tuesday. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes on June 24 hit the north of the country hardest, especially the coastal state of La Guaira, outside the capital Caracas.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said on Telegram the death toll was at least 5,346, an increase of 68 from the day before, while the number of people injured remained at 16,740. The government has not given a figure for those still missing under mountains of rubble, but the UN estimates that as many as 50,000 people may still be unaccounted for.
There have been 1,405 aftershocks recorded in the month since the earthquakes. Over 23,000 people have been displaced from the earthquakes, with camps getting set up across affected areas from stadiums to sidewalks.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez on Monday announced around 200 families who had lost their homes would be housed in an apartment complex in Caracas, vowing to assist with creating over 4,000 homes to help those affected. More than 850 buildings were damaged and 190 collapsed completely in the earthquakes, according to official figures.
The earthquakes have left a trail of devastation across Venezuela. The coastal state of La Guaira, near the capital Caracas, bore the brunt of the disaster. The government's slow response and the scale of the destruction have raised concerns about the country's ability to provide adequate relief and rebuild. The international community is closely watching the situation, with many countries offering aid and support.
