Venezuela earthquake death toll climbs above 4,800
The official death toll from the catastrophic twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela late last month has climbed to 4,829, according to government figures released on Wednesday. The disaster, which saw two powerful tremors measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude hit the coastal state of La Guaira in rapid succession on June 24, has left a trail of destruction that continues to impact the nation three weeks later. National Assembly leader Jorge Rodriguez confirmed the updated fatality count via Telegram, as recovery efforts remain ongoing.
Despite the passage of time, search and rescue crews and grieving families are still working through the ruins of collapsed structures in hopes of finding victims. The situation for survivors remains dire, with more than 20,000 people now displaced and living in cramped, makeshift camps that struggle to provide basic necessities like clean water and adequate sanitation. While roughly 16,700 individuals were treated for injuries in the immediate aftermath, the country is now grappling with the long-term humanitarian crisis of sheltering a massive homeless population.