Venezuela quake death toll nears 5,400

The number of people killed in the recent powerful earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 5,398, said Jorge Rodríguez, Speaker of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Report informs.

According to him, 16,740 people were injured and 17,907 were left homeless. A total of 190 buildings were completely destroyed, while 856 sustained serious damage. Search and rescue operations saved 6,462 residents, and assistance has been provided to 128,324 families. Additionally, 23,335 people have been accommodated in 107 temporary camps.

The earthquake struck Venezuela on the evening of June 24, with two tremors of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude recorded about 40 seconds apart. Their epicenters were located in Yaracuy state, just 10 km apart. Since then, 1,463 aftershocks have been registered.