The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June has risen to 5,069, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced on Friday, as authorities continue nationwide rescue, relief, and recovery operations.

In a post on the social media platform X, Rodriguez released updated figures showing that 16,740 people have been injured as a result of the powerful earthquakes, which rocked the South American nation on June 24.

According to the latest official data, government agencies have provided assistance to 128,324 families affected by the disaster. Authorities have also established 106 temporary shelters, currently accommodating 21,235 displaced residents, while 17,907 people remain without permanent housing.

Rodriguez said the earthquakes caused widespread destruction to infrastructure, damaging 856 buildings across the country. Of those, 190 structures collapsed, leaving thousands homeless and complicating ongoing recovery efforts.

The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck Venezuela within a short interval, causing extensive loss of life and significant damage to homes, public buildings, and essential infrastructure.

Emergency response teams, humanitarian organizations, and government agencies continue to provide aid to affected communities as authorities assess the full extent of the destruction and work to support displaced families.

The earthquakes rank among the deadliest natural disasters to hit Venezuela in recent history, with recovery and reconstruction efforts expected to continue for months. (ILKHA)