Caracas: The Venezuelan authorities have reported a significant rise in the death toll following the devastating earthquakes that struck the nation in late June. The number of fatalities has now reached over 6,000, marking a tragic milestone in the country's history.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Jorge Rodriguez, president of the Venezuelan National Assembly, confirmed that the death toll from the earthquakes has climbed to 6,125. Additionally, more than 61,000 individuals remain hospitalized with injuries sustained during the natural disaster. The earthquakes caused extensive destruction, especially in the northern region of Venezuela, with the coastal state of La Guaira near Caracas being particularly affected.
Rodriguez also highlighted the ongoing cleanup efforts, stating that 16.5 percent of the debris has been cleared. Meanwhile, approximately 20,000 residents continue to reside in temporary camps established in various public spaces, including stadiums and squares.
La Guaira Governor Jos© Alejandro Ter¡n revealed to local media that around 1,400 people are still unaccounted for in the aftermath of the earthquakes. Despite the absence of an official government count on missing persons, experts project that the figure could be as high as 10,000.
The seismic events on June 24th, which measured 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, led to the collapse of nearly 200 buildings, predominantly in La Guaira. The disaster has left a lasting impact on the community, with recovery and rebuilding efforts expected to be extensive.