The death toll from Venezuela’s twin earthquakes has officially risen to 3,811, according to figures released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on Wednesday. The latest tally puts the number of injured in the June 24 quakes at 16,740, and the number of homeless at 18,000.
Delcy Rodriguez said she had sent a letter to King Charles requesting the release of Venezuelan gold held at the Bank of England.
She also said she had spoken with the head of the International Monetary Fund about releasing funds.
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 Wednesday that the toll had crossed 3,800 with rescuers pulling more bodies from the debris.
Since the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck on June 24, Venezuela has recorded over 1,000 aftershocks, the statement said.
Earlier on July 2, Rodriguez had declared seven days of national mourning in tribute to the victims of the powerful earthquakes.
Also read: Venezuela earthquakes expose critical flaws in early warning tech
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