Caracas, July 8: The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 3,685, authorities said, as rescue and relief operations continue across the affected regions.
The two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, were the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century. The number of fatalities has continued to rise in recent weeks, while an estimated 16,740 people have been injured in the disaster.
Although thousands of people were reported missing in the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes, authorities have not released an updated figure on those still unaccounted for.
The twin tremors also caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including Simón Bolívar International Airport near the capital, Caracas, disrupting domestic and international air traffic.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez said commercial flight operations would resume as soon as possible using an alternative runway while repair work on the damaged airport infrastructure continues.
Rescue teams remain engaged in search and recovery operations in the worst-hit areas as authorities work to restore essential services and provide relief to affected communities. (Agencies)
