Death toll from earthquakes in Venezuela exceeds 5,000

The number of people who lost their lives in the two major earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 5,069. National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced in a statement on his social media account that the death toll had increased by another 139 people.

Rodriguez stated that the number of people injured in the earthquakes is 16,740. In the country where search and rescue operations are ongoing, authorities are calling on citizens to ensure that work is not disrupted, especially in areas that have suffered heavy damage.

It was requested that private vehicles not be driven to La Guaira, where the highest loss of life and property was recorded. Rodriguez emphasized that aid should only be delivered to designated collection points.

According to information in the national press, the Maiquetia Simon Bolivar International Airport, which is critical for the country's national and international air transport, has not yet been able to reopen due to damage caused by the earthquake.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) had announced that two earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 occurred in Venezuela on June 24, 39 seconds apart.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in its assessment on June 26, had calculated the cost of the physical damage directly caused by the earthquakes at 6.7 billion dollars. As search and rescue efforts continue, there are concerns that the number of deaths and injuries may rise.

News Source: 12punto