Venezuela quakes death toll rises to 2,295, over 11,000 injured

 

The death toll from the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 2,295, while the number of injured has climbed to 11,267, Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said Wednesday.

"As of today, there are 2,295 fatalities and 11,267 injuries. We are currently counting 12,841 affected people," Rodriguez said during a daily update on the country's situation after the earthquakes.

He said 6,461 people had been rescued by more than 4,000 international and domestic rescue workers and volunteers.

Rodriguez, who also heads the command center for the creation of temporary camps, called on health workers, security personnel and firefighters to register on the Patria platform in order to address housing problems caused by the earthquakes.

He said 25 temporary camps were active, including 13 in La Guaira, eight in Caracas, two in Miranda, one in Carabobo and one in Yaracuy.

Rodriguez said authorities were moving quickly to equip the camps and transfer affected people there.

Since June 24, Venezuela has recorded 782 aftershocks, though their frequency and magnitude have decreased, he said.

xinhua