Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 2,954

The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week has risen to 2,954, while 16,592 others have been injured, according to Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on Saturday. In a message on his Telegram channel, Rodriguez said 6,462 people have been rescued after the disaster hit the states of Aragua, Miranda, and La Guaira in central Venezuela, as well as the states of Carabobo, Yaracuy, and Falcon in western Venezuela. The latest report states that 16,209 people have lost their homes, while 856 buildings have been damaged and 190 buildings have collapsed. Authorities have also established 80 temporary camps to assist refugees and affected residents. According to Saturday’s update, 29,567 rescue workers are still deployed to search for survivors, including 3,281 personnel from abroad. Since the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck Venezuela on 24 June, the country has recorded 942 aftershocks, according to the statement.