Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 2,645, over 12,000 injured

The death toll from the powerful earthquakes that hit northern Venezuela last month has increased to 2,645, according to the country’s Communication and Information Ministry.

The ministry said 12,666 people were injured in the disaster. So far, rescue teams have saved 6,462 people and provided assistance to 86,117 affected families.

Officials said the earthquakes damaged 885 buildings, while 189 buildings completely collapsed.

More than 3,300 international rescue workers have joined the relief efforts. The Venezuelan government has also deployed nearly 30,000 personnel to help people in the affected areas.

According to the US Geological Survey, two strong earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on June 24, just 39 seconds apart.

The ministry said 890 aftershocks have been recorded since the main earthquakes.

The 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck 23 kilometres southeast of Yumare in Yaracuy state, while the 7.2-magnitude quake hit about 24 kilometres northeast of San Felipe in the same state.