The death toll from twin earthquakes which struck Venezuela on June 24 has officially risen to 5,278, as per an updated tally on Tuesday.
The number, according to state authorities, is expected to rise significantly in the coming days as thousands are still believed to be trapped under the rubble of collapsed infrastructure.
The number of people injured in the aftermath of the earthquakes stands at around 18,000, with more than 20,000 internally displaced.
In La Guaira, nearly 20,000 homeless people are living in makeshift shelters in dilapidated conditions in the south of Venezuela.
Lawmaker Jorge Rodríguez said around 850 buildings were damaged and 190 collapsed completely.
The two successive earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, had struck the Latin American nation on June 24, triggering massive destruction of public infrastructure, especially around the densely populated urban zones near the capital, Caracas.
Authorities said that over 128,324 families have received assistance through 107 temporary camps currently sheltering 20,857 people. While there is an urgent need for aid to rush to the people displaced from their homes, the United Nations has said it would require millions of tonnes of food, medicines and other essential supplies to help the uprooted population.
Also read: Venezuela toll climbs to 5,208, thousands still trapped
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