Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 5,278

The number of fatalities from the powerful earthquake in Venezuela last month continues to rise. According to the latest official figures released on Monday (20/7) local time, the death toll has increased to 5,278 people. The twin earthquakes on 24 June, which registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, had a major impact on the northern region of the country, particularly the coastal state of La Guaira, near the capital Caracas. The two quakes occurred just 39 seconds apart. President of the National Assembly Jorge Rodriguez stated on Telegram that the death toll from the earthquake had reached at least 5,278, while the number of reported injuries remained at 16,740. According to official figures, more than 850 buildings were damaged and 190 completely collapsed as a result of the earthquakes. Venezuelan authorities have not yet provided an estimate of the number of people still missing. The United Nations, however, estimates that around 50,000 people are missing after the quake, in which hundreds of buildings collapsed, trapping people under the rubble. The Venezuelan government reported that more than 23,500 people displaced by the disaster are still living in emergency camps, ranging from stadiums to public squares, where volunteers are providing medical services and distributing essential supplies. To support the emergency response and recovery process, 2,278 rescue personnel from abroad have been deployed, along with 30,989 personnel from various government agencies and 31,745 volunteers.