Venezuela earthquake death toll reaches 6,301
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The death toll from two earthquakes in Venezuela in June has risen to 6,301.
- Rescue teams continue to search for victims among the rubble of collapsed buildings.
- Approximately 24,000 people have been displaced and are living in temporary camps.
The number of fatalities from two earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June has climbed to 6,301, as rescue teams and families persist in their search for more victims amidst the debris of destroyed buildings. Jorge Rodriguez, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, announced the latest figures, marking an increase from the previous count of 6,125 reported on August 3.
The government has not disclosed the number of individuals still missing following the two tremors, which registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 and led to the destruction of approximately 190 buildings. However, Jose Alejandro Teran, the governor of the hardest-hit state of La Guaira, located north of Caracas, stated last week that around 1,400 people remain unaccounted for.
Roughly 24,000 people have been rendered homeless by the disaster, with many currently residing in temporary settlement camps. The recent earthquake of magnitude 7.4 that shook neighboring Colombia on Monday has brought back painful memories for many Venezuelans who experienced the devastating prior quakes.
According to the latest figures announced by President Abelardo de la Espriella, the earthquake in Colombia claimed the lives of at least 111 people and injured 87 others.
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.