Venezuela earthquake death toll surpasses 5,000

The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Venezuela last June has surpassed 5,069, with more than 21,000 others still in displacement camps, according to the local government on Friday (17/7). “According to data, 5,069 people died, 16,740 were injured, and 6,462 people were rescued,” said an official statement from the Venezuelan Government published by National Assembly Chairman Jorge Rodriguez. The government also reported that 17,907 residents remain homeless and 21,210 people are currently staying in 107 temporary shelter locations. The earthquake caused damage to 856 buildings, with 190 of them reported to have completely collapsed. On 24 June, Venezuela was rocked by two earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, which occurred just 39 seconds apart. Following the disaster, the Venezuelan Government declared a state of emergency, while the international community dispatched rescue teams and humanitarian aid to support the response and recovery efforts in the country.