Venezuela quake death toll surpasses 1,700; UN prepares 10,000 body bags

A series of powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela has resulted in a devastating loss of life, with the official death toll now exceeding 1,700 people. The scale of the disaster has prompted international aid, with the United Nations preparing to supply 10,000 body bags to assist in the recovery efforts.

Jorge Rodríguez, the Speaker of Venezuela's National Assembly, announced the grim figures in a televised address. He stated that as of the latest count, 1,719 fatalities have been officially confirmed following the earthquakes that began on June 24. This number represents a significant increase from previous reports.

The ongoing recovery operations are facing immense challenges as authorities and aid organizations work to manage the aftermath of the seismic events. The provision of body bags by the UN is a critical step in ensuring the dignified handling of the deceased and supporting the efforts to account for all victims.