Death toll from Venezuela earthquake rises to 5,546; UN seeks $80 million to aid half a million people

The tragic death toll from the double earthquake that shook northern Venezuela on June 24, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, has risen significantly, reaching 5,546 victims.

Jorge Rodríguez, head of the National Assembly, announced the new figures, noting that 148 lives were lost in just the last two days. Meanwhile, the number of injured stands at 16,740, while 17,907 residents have been left homeless.

Official data show that 23,811 displaced people are being sheltered in 107 makeshift camps and that aid has reached 128,324 families. Material consequences are also severe: 856 buildings have been damaged, of which 190 have completely collapsed. Furthermore, authorities have recorded around 1,500 aftershocks.

On the humanitarian front, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced that it has assisted over 100,000 affected people. The agency expects to expand aid to reach 500,000 beneficiaries over the next two months, provided the necessary sum of $80 million is secured.