The death toll from Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes has climbed to 4,829, nearly a month after the disaster struck the South American nation.
Authorities say rescue and recovery efforts are continuing as thousands remain displaced and communities struggle to rebuild.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced on Wednesday that the number of people killed in the June 24 twin earthquakes has increased to 4,829, marking an additional 95 fatalities since the previous official update.
The number of injured remained unchanged at 16,740, while search and rescue teams continue working in the affected areas amid growing concerns that the death toll could rise further.
Rodriguez shared the updated figures through posts on Telegram and social media platform X.
Twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela on June 24, just 39 seconds apart.
The powerful tremors devastated large parts of La Guaira state, north of Caracas, making it the region hardest hit by the disaster.
Authorities said 1,284 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial earthquakes. The most recent aftershock, measuring 3.9 magnitude, struck the city of Naiguata in La Guaira on July 10.
The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as thousands of families remain without permanent homes. According to Rodriguez, 17,907 people are still homeless, while authorities have assisted 128,324 families since the disaster.
The government has established 106 temporary camps, currently sheltering 20,857 displaced people. Reports indicate that many camps are overcrowded and face shortages of clean water and proper sanitation facilities.
Hundreds of buildings destroyed
The earthquakes caused extensive structural damage across the affected regions.
Officials said 856 buildings sustained damage, including 190 structures that completely collapsed, leaving entire communities struggling to recover nearly a month after the disaster.
While many injured survivors have already been discharged from hospitals, emergency teams continue recovery operations in areas where people are still feared trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
Economic losses estimated at billions
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimated in a statement issued on June 26 that the earthquakes caused approximately $6.7 billion in direct physical damage.
The disaster has placed enormous pressure on Venezuela's infrastructure, housing sector and emergency response system.
Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis, national media reported that the Venezuelan government and an opposition group led by former lawmaker Dinorah Figuera have reached an agreement on a joint work plan.
The initiative, scheduled to begin on August 1, aims to strengthen democratic cooperation while coordinating efforts to address the aftermath of the twin earthquakes and support long-term recovery.
Recovery efforts continue
Nearly a month after one of Venezuela's deadliest natural disasters in recent history, rescue workers and volunteers continue searching through collapsed buildings in La Guaira for possible survivors and victims.
Authorities say recovery operations remain ongoing as the country focuses on rebuilding damaged communities, assisting displaced families and restoring essential services.
