Venezuela, 04 July (H.S.): The death toll from the two devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela last month has risen to 2,645, while 12,666 people have been injured, the country's Ministry of Communication and Information said on Friday.

According to Türkiye's state-run Anadolu Agency, citing the ministry, rescue teams have so far evacuated 6,462 people to safety, while assistance has been provided to 86,117 affected families. The earthquakes damaged 885 buildings, of which 189 were completely destroyed.

The government said that more than 3,300 international rescue personnel were deployed in the affected regions following the disaster. In addition, nearly 30,000 local personnel have been engaged in relief, rehabilitation and recovery operations.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude struck northern Venezuela on June 24, just 39 seconds apart. The 7.5-magnitude earthquake was centred about 23 kilometres southeast of Yumare in Yaracuy State, while the 7.2-magnitude quake was recorded approximately 23.9 kilometres northeast of San Felipe.

The ministry said that 890 aftershocks have been recorded since the two main earthquakes. Authorities added that relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts are continuing across the affected areas as the government works to assist victims and restore damaged infrastructure.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar