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🇩🇰 Denmark /Disasters & Emergencies

Venezuela updates earthquake death toll to 3,342

From Berlingske · () Danish

Translated from Danish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • Venezuela's death toll from earthquakes on June 24 has risen to 3,342, with over 16,470 injured and 17,345 left homeless, according to government figures.
  • The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, were the strongest in Venezuela since 1900.
  • The government's handling of the disaster faces criticism for being insufficient and delayed, despite the acting president's defense.

The number of fatalities from the earthquakes that struck Venezuela nearly two weeks ago has increased to 3,342, government figures released Sunday show. This represents an increase of nearly 400 deaths in the past day. In addition to the deceased, more than 16,470 people were injured, and 17,345 have been left homeless by the disaster.

The powerful earthquakes, which occurred a minute apart near the capital Caracas, registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. These seismic events mark the strongest earthquakes to hit Venezuela since 1900, highlighting the significant geological vulnerability of the region.

Despite the rising casualty figures and widespread damage, acting President Delcy Rodríguez defended the Venezuelan government's response to the earthquakes. Her remarks came during a speech commemorating Venezuela's 215th Independence Day. However, her defense occurs amid growing frustration over the authorities' efforts, which Reuters reports have been criticized by some as insufficient and delayed in the wake of the natural disaster.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Berlingske in Danish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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