Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 4,829 as relief efforts continue

The death toll from the devastating earthquake that struck Venezuela last month has climbed to 4,829, according to the latest official figures released by National Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodríguez.

In a daily government update published on his Telegram channel, Rodríguez said 16,740 people have been injured, while 17,907 have been left homeless by the disaster, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Authorities reported that 190 buildings have been destroyed, with a further 856 sustaining severe damage. Search and rescue teams have so far rescued 6,462 people, while 34,872 have received treatment at medical facilities.

The government said assistance has been delivered to 128,324 families, with 20,857 people currently accommodated in 106 temporary shelters. More than 10,000 tonnes of food have also been distributed to affected communities.

The powerful earthquake struck Venezuela on the evening of June 24, when two major tremors measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude occurred around 40 seconds apart. 

The epicentres were located approximately 10 kilometres apart in the western state of Yaracuy.

Since the initial quake, authorities have recorded 1,284 aftershocks, as emergency response and recovery operations continue across the affected region.

By Aghakazim Guliyev