Venezuela earthquake toll rises to 3,685; over 16,700 injured

The death toll from Venezuela's June 24 earthquakes has climbed to 3,685, with 16,740 injured and nearly 18,000 left homeless. More than 29,000 rescuers continue search operations as India provides humanitarian assistance through Operation Amistad.

Caracas: The death toll from the earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 3,685, and 16,740 others were injured, according to an official update released by Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez.

A total of 17,907 people have been left homeless, according to the update released on Rodriguez’s Telegram channel.

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Since the twin earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck on June 24, Venezuela has recorded 1,076 aftershocks, according to the update.

An official report earlier said 17,345 people were also displaced, reports Xinhua news agency.

Authorities have also set up 80 temporary camps to assist displaced and affected people.

According to Saturday’s update, 29,567 rescuers remain deployed to search for survivors, including 3,281 from abroad.

Meanwhile, Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez declared seven days of national mourning last week in tribute to the victims of the powerful earthquakes that struck the country on June 24.

“In honour of the memory of the victims, I have decided to decree National Mourning for seven (7) days, starting at 6:00 p.m. today,” Rodriguez wrote in a statement posted on social media.

She said that “in these moments of profound sadness, we embrace those who suffer from this tragedy and reaffirm our commitment to accompany and protect them.”

“Venezuela’s soul is torn by the human losses caused by the devastating earthquakes,” Rodriguez added.

Authorities said that tens of thousands still missing.

Meanwhile, Indian medical teams continue to provide humanitarian support to the people affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela under ‘Operation Amistad’. Survivors and their families have expressed heartfelt gratitude for the treatment and care being extended in the Indian Army’s Field Hospital.