Death toll from Venezuela earthquake surpasses 5,300

The death toll from the devastating earthquake in Venezuela has risen to 5,346, according to Jorge Rodríguez, president of the country's National Assembly.

In a daily government update published on his Telegram channel, Rodríguez said 16,740 people had been injured, while 17,265 had been left homeless. A total of 190 buildings were completely destroyed, and 856 sustained significant damage.

The update added that 6,462 people had been rescued during search and rescue operations, while 39,567 had received medical treatment. Assistance has been provided to 128,324 families, with 23,122 people accommodated in 107 temporary shelters. Authorities have also distributed 10,964.97 tonnes of food aid to those affected.

The earthquake struck Venezuela on the evening of June 24. Two powerful tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, occurred around 40 seconds apart. Their epicentres were located approximately 10 kilometres apart in Yaracuy state. Since the initial quake, 1,405 aftershocks have been recorded.

By Aghakazim Guliyev