The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela last month has risen to more than 5,000, according to an update shared on Friday by National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez. The devastating earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, hit the South American nation on June 24, causing widespread destruction and leaving thousands of families affected. The latest figures make the disaster one of the deadliest natural calamities to hit Venezuela in recent years.
In a post on Telegram, Rodriguez said the confirmed death toll had reached 5,069. He added that the majority of the fatalities were recorded in the coastal state of La Guaira, which bore the brunt of the powerful tremors. The earthquakes caused extensive damage to homes, public infrastructure and essential services across the region, complicating rescue and recovery efforts in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
Emergency response teams have continued search, recovery and relief operations in affected areas since the earthquakes struck. Authorities have been working to provide temporary shelter, food, medical assistance and other essential services to displaced residents. The scale of the destruction has placed significant pressure on emergency responders, while damaged roads and disrupted communications initially hampered rescue efforts in several communities.
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The twin earthquakes also caused severe structural damage to residential buildings, schools, hospitals and public facilities, particularly in coastal regions. Thousands of residents were forced to leave their homes, with many taking refuge in temporary shelters as authorities assessed the safety of damaged buildings. Government agencies and humanitarian organisations have continued to evaluate the full extent of the losses while coordinating assistance for affected communities.
As recovery efforts continue, officials are expected to focus on rebuilding damaged infrastructure and supporting families who lost loved ones or were displaced by the disaster. The updated casualty figures highlight the devastating human impact of the June 24 earthquakes and underscore the challenges Venezuela faces in its long-term recovery. Authorities have indicated that the death toll and damage assessments could be revised further as teams complete inspections in the hardest-hit areas.
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