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The death toll from two major earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 5,069, authorities said.
Jorge Rodriguez, president of Venezuela's National Assembly, provided an update on the disaster via social media.
Rodriguez said the death toll had increased by 139 to reach 5,069, while the number of injured stood at 16,740.
"We are asking citizens not to travel to La Guaira in private vehicles, so as not to disrupt search and rescue operations, and to deliver aid only to designated collection points," Rodriguez said, referring to the coastal state that has suffered the heaviest loss of life and property.
According to national media, Maiquetia Simon Bolivar International Airport, a key hub for the country's domestic and international air traffic, remains closed due to earthquake damage.
The US Geological Survey reported that two earthquakes, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, hit Venezuela on June 24, 39 seconds apart.
The UN Development Programme said on June 26 that the direct physical damage caused by the earthquakes was estimated at $6.7 billion.
Search and rescue operations are continuing in the country, with officials warning that the death and injury toll could climb further.
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