Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 3,535

CARACAS, July 07 (YPA) –The death toll from the earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 3,535 fatalities.

This was announced by the President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, in statements to local media on Monday regarding the latest developments of the disaster that affected the country.

Rodríguez explained that the number of victims had increased to 3,535 deaths, while the number of injured reached 16,740 people.

He said that the number of temporary shelters established for citizens who lost their homes had risen to 82 centers, noting that 9,603 tons of food supplies had been delivered to those in need.

He added that the number of damaged buildings reached 856, while 190 buildings completely collapsed.

On June 24, a double earthquake struck Venezuela, with the first measuring 7.2 magnitude and the second 7.5 magnitude on the Richter scale.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced on June 26 that the direct material damage caused by the earthquake was estimated at around $6.7 billion.

Search and rescue operations are still ongoing across the country, amid fears that the number of deaths and injuries could continue to rise.

@E.Y.M