The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 4,490, while thousands remain injured and displaced as search, rescue and recovery operations continue.

The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 4,490, according to the latest official figures released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez.

In a statement posted on social media, Rodríguez said the number of fatalities had increased by 157 over the past 24 hours. He added that 16,740 people have been injured, 6,462 have been rescued alive from the rubble, and 17,907 have been left homeless.

Humanitarian aid reaches over 120,000 families

Rodríguez said humanitarian assistance has so far reached 120,794 families affected by the disaster. The number of temporary shelter camps established in the hardest-hit areas, including La Guaira, Caracas, and Miranda state, has risen to 108.

Venezuelan media reported that the government has launched a biometric population registration campaign to accurately determine the housing needs of earthquake survivors.

Reconstruction plans take shape

Preliminary assessments indicate that approximately 25,000 new homes will be needed as part of the reconstruction effort.

Authorities have allocated land for housing projects, particularly in the Osma and Chuspa areas, with the first 200 homes expected to be handed over to affected families in the near future.

Officials also said electricity service has been restored to 96 percent of La Guaira state, while 84 percent of drinking water services have resumed. Repairs to telecommunications infrastructure are continuing.

Search and recovery efforts continue

Search and rescue teams continue clearing debris and inspecting damaged buildings across the affected regions. Authorities said structural assessments are ongoing and warned that the number of displaced residents could increase as additional unsafe buildings are identified.

Debris removal and efforts to recover victims remain underway as emergency teams continue working in the disaster zones.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela 39 seconds apart on June 24.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimated the direct physical damage caused by the earthquakes at $6.7 billion, underscoring the scale of the reconstruction challenge.

Authorities have cautioned that the death toll could continue to rise as recovery operations progress. (ILKHA)