The death toll from Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes has climbed to 2,645, officials said Friday, as rescue and relief teams continue working across the affected areas.
More than 12,000 people were wounded, thousands were left homeless, and authorities said hundreds of buildings were damaged or destroyed.
Venezuela’s Communication and Information Ministry said the death toll from the powerful earthquakes has risen to 2,645, while 12,666 people were injured.
The ministry said around 15,000 people have been left homeless by the disaster.
Rescue, relief operations continue
According to the ministry, 6,462 people have so far been rescued, while 86,117 families have received assistance in the wake of the earthquakes.
Officials said the quakes affected 885 buildings, with 189 structures collapsing.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, who also heads the command center for temporary camps, said authorities have established 59 temporary camps to accommodate those affected.
International teams deployed
Rodriguez said 3,305 international rescuers and 29,567 emergency responders remain deployed across Venezuela to support rescue and relief operations.
The ministry also said more than 3,300 international rescue workers had been sent to quake-hit areas, while Caracas positioned nearly 30,000 personnel for emergency response efforts.
According to the US Geological Survey, two earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on June 24, just 39 seconds apart.
The magnitude 7.5 earthquake hit 23 kilometers southeast of Yumare in Yaracuy state, while the magnitude 7.2 quake struck 23.9 kilometers northeast of San Felipe, also in Yaracuy.
Aftershocks add to fears
Officials said Venezuela has recorded 890 aftershocks since the powerful earthquakes.
Authorities continue to assess damage and provide assistance to families affected by one of the country’s deadliest recent natural disasters.
