Caracas, Jun 30 (V7N) — The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Venezuela last week has risen to 1,719, according to Jorge Rodriguez, president of the country's National Assembly.
Speaking on Monday (June 29), Rodriguez said that at least 22,619 people have been affected by the disaster. Among them, 5,034 people were injured, while 855 buildings sustained damage, including 189 structures that completely collapsed.
Rodriguez also said that 609 aftershocks have been recorded since the twin earthquakes struck on Wednesday. Another strong tremor was felt on Monday, although authorities reported no significant additional damage.
Meanwhile, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that the final death toll could exceed 10,000 based on current conditions. According to the agency's assessment, there is an estimated 44 percent probability that fatalities could reach or surpass that figure.
Rescue and relief operations continue across the worst-affected areas, with emergency teams searching through collapsed buildings for survivors. Officials fear that many people may still be trapped beneath the rubble, raising concerns that the death toll could continue to climb in the coming days.
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