The death toll from the powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela last month has climbed to 2,645, while 12,666 people have been injured, according to the country’s Communication and Information Ministry.
In a statement posted on X, the ministry said rescue teams have so far saved 6,462 people, while assistance has been provided to 86,117 affected families. Officials added that the earthquakes damaged 885 buildings, including 189 that collapsed.
Authorities said more than 3,300 international rescue workers have joined relief efforts, while nearly 30,000 Venezuelan personnel have been deployed to support search, rescue and recovery operations.
According to the US Geological Survey, two powerful earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck the South American nation on June 24, just 39 seconds apart. The ministry said the affected region has since experienced 890 aftershocks.
The magnitude 7.5 earthquake was centred about 23 kilometres southeast of Yumare in Yaracuy state, while the magnitude 7.2 quake struck roughly 23.9 kilometres northeast of San Felipe, also in Yaracuy, according to the USGS.