Venezuela earthquake death toll reaches 5,546 after one month

The death toll from a powerful double earthquake that struck northern Venezuela a month ago has climbed to 5,546, officials announced Friday. The latest update from National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez included 148 newly confirmed fatalities.

The twin tremors, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, have devastated the region. The number of injured remains at 16,740. More than 17,900 people have lost their homes, and 23,811 individuals are currently housed in 107 temporary camps. The disaster also damaged 856 buildings, with 190 completely collapsing, and has been followed by approximately 1,500 aftershocks since the initial quakes on June 24.

In response to the ongoing crisis, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) reported assisting over 100,000 earthquake survivors. The WFP has provided a range of aid, including hot meals, ready-to-eat rations, food baskets, and electronic vouchers, tailored to the specific needs of affected families. The organization is appealing for $80 million to sustain and expand its operations over the next two months, aiming to reach an additional 500,000 people.

Government efforts are also underway, with over 240 families recently receiving the first homes delivered by the administration to those displaced by the earthquakes. The delivery ceremony was attended by acting president Delcy Rodríguez and her brother, Jorge Rodríguez.