Venezuela earthquake disaster grows as death toll exceeds 4,300
Authorities continue identifying victims after the deadly earthquakes (photo: Getty Images)
The death toll from the June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela has risen again. As of July 11, authorities say 4,333 people have died, according to Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, cited by Bloomberg.
President Rodríguez says 16,740 people have been injured, while more than 6,400 survivors have been pulled from the rubble.
The confirmed death toll has now climbed to 4,333, up from 4,118 reported the previous day. More than two weeks after the disaster, authorities are still working to identify victims.
Background
On June 24, Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, affecting at least seven states.
The quakes leveled numerous buildings and disrupted electricity and water supplies. The disaster also placed additional strain on the country's already overstretched hospitals and public services.
As previous reports noted, the United Nations estimates that the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela affected nearly 2 million buildings, causing $6.7 billion in direct damage.
