The death toll from the two devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela nearly a month ago has now exceeded 5,300, according to a statement from the country’s authorities released yesterday, Tuesday.

Two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale struck the Latin American country 39 seconds apart, causing massive destruction, mainly in the northern part of the country, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira, near the capital, Caracas.

At least 5,346 people lost their lives, according to the daily report released by Parliament Speaker Jorge Rodríguez.

The previous report, released the day before yesterday, Monday, cited 5,278 deaths.

Nearly 70 additional deaths were confirmed in 24 hours.

The number of injured remained unchanged at 16,740.

In Waira, efforts to recover victims continue amid the rubble of collapsed buildings. More than 23,100 homeless people remain in over 100 temporary shelters, some without access to running water or sewage systems.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez handed over apartments on Monday at a social housing complex in Caracas to some 200 families who lost their homes. She promised that 4,000 new homes would be delivered to earthquake victims within the year.

According to official figures, 856 buildings were damaged and 190 collapsed completely. According to government estimates, however, some 25,000 homes will need to be built to provide shelter for those who lost their homes in the disaster.

Authorities have not disclosed the number of people missing. The day after the disaster, the UN estimated that the number could be as high as 50,000. Some other estimates put the number closer to 10,000.

Source: Proto Thema