More than 3,535 people have died after twin earthquakes rattled Venezuela last week, while nearly 18,000 people remain displaced, officials said on Tuesday. Lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said that the latest official tally showed 16,740 people injured.
At least 12,800 people were staying in 80 shelters across Caracas and La Guaira, the coastal regions most directly impacted by the earthquakes. An estimated 60,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed.
In his latest message on Telegram, Rodriguez said nearly 7,000 people had been rescued after the disaster hit the central states of Aragua, Miranda and La Guaira, as well as the western states of Carabobo, Yaracuy and Falcon.
Approximately 856 buildings and apartments have been damaged, with 190 completely destroyed.
Besides, Venezuelan authorities have also set up around 80 makeshift shelters for the people affected by the earthquakes.
According to Tuesday’s update, 29,567 rescuers remain deployed to search for survivors, including 3,281 from abroad. Officials said on Sunday that the toll had crossed 3,300 with rescuers pulling more bodies from the debris.
Since the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck on June 24, Venezuela has recorded 995 aftershocks, the statement said.
Earlier on Thursday, Rodriguez declared seven days of national mourning in tribute to the victims of the powerful earthquakes.
Also read: Venezuela's death toll climbs to 3,300 with many still missing
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