Death toll rises in earthquakes hitting Venezuela

The toll from the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that occurred in Venezuela on June 24 continues to worsen. In the latest statement from the Venezuelan Ministry of Communication and Information, it was reported that the number of people who lost their lives in the disaster has risen to at least 3 thousand 685.

The statement noted that the number of injured remains unchanged at 16 thousand 740, while 6 thousand 462 people have been rescued from the rubble and 17 thousand 907 people have been left homeless. It was stated that medical assistance has been provided to 25 thousand 970 earthquake victims, and it was emphasized that search and rescue efforts are continuing with the participation of 4 thousand 388 international personnel, as well as 29 thousand 567 Venezuelan officials and 28 thousand 362 volunteers. It was stated that 1 thousand 76 aftershocks have occurred since the earthquakes on June 24.

2 MAJOR EARTHQUAKES OCCURRED 39 SECONDS APART

Venezuela was first shaken by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake on June 24, and just 39 seconds later, another tremor measuring 7.5 in magnitude occurred. The earthquakes caused destruction in different parts of the country. In a previous statement from the Venezuelan Ministry of Communication and Information, the death toll had been reported as 3 thousand 535, and the number of injured as 16 thousand 740.