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The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 4,118, an increase of 229 from the previous count, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said in a statement on social media.
Rodriguez said the number of injured remains at 16,740, while 17,907 people are without housing. He added that 86,794 families have received assistance since the disaster.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez inspected infrastructure repair work in Macuto, part of La Guaira state, the region hit hardest by the earthquakes. Speaking during a visit broadcast by state channel VTV, she said electricity service in the state had been restored to 96%, with 21 substations fully back online.
She also said 84% of drinking water distribution had been restored in the region, while tankers continue delivering water to areas where infrastructure collapsed.
The U.S. Geological Survey recorded two earthquakes in Venezuela on June 24, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, striking 39 seconds apart. The mainshock was the strongest to hit the country since 1900.
The United Nations Development Program estimated on June 26 that the earthquakes caused $6.7 billion in direct physical damage.
Search and rescue operations continue across the country, with authorities and aid groups warning that the death and injury toll may continue to rise. The United Nations has said as many as 50,000 people could still be unaccounted for.
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