More than 1,300 people remain missing after Venezuela earthquake

At least 1,338 people remain missing in Venezuela's La Guaira state, the region hardest hit by the devastating June 24 earthquake, Governor José Alejandro Terán has said.

According to him, the number of missing people was determined using the Unified Housing Registry, a census covering 95,080 people, and reports submitted by residents, Caliber.Az reports, citing Union Radio.

The governor said the earthquake affected 8.55% of La Guaira state's territory.

A total of 180 buildings collapsed, while 750 sustained structural damage. Around 20,000 people remain in temporary shelters, where they are receiving three meals a day, round-the-clock medical care and psychosocial support.

The earthquake struck Venezuela on the evening of June 24, with two powerful tremors of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 recorded about 40 seconds apart. It was followed by 1,500 aftershocks.

As of July 25, the death toll stood at 5,546, with 16,740 people injured. Authorities said 190 buildings were destroyed and 856 suffered major damage.

Search and rescue teams saved 6,462 people, while assistance has been provided to 128,324 families.

A total of 23,811 people are currently housed in 107 temporary shelters.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov