At least 5,278 people lost their lives in the double earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24, according to the latest, official report released yesterday, Monday, by the president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez.

Seventy additional deaths were recorded over the past 24 hours, more than three weeks after the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that caused massive destruction, mainly in the northern part of the country.

The previous toll stood at 5,208 dead. The number of injured remained unchanged at 16,740.

In Wayra, efforts to recover victims continue amid the rubble of collapsed buildings. More than 23,000 people who have lost their homes remain in over 100 temporary shelters.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez promised yesterday that 4,000 new homes would be delivered to those affected by December.

"Deliveries will take place every month," the acting head of state assured during a ceremony broadcast on television.

Rodrigues said that approximately 200 families are benefiting from apartments in a public housing complex. She referred to “moments of joy amid the suffering of those who were victims of the twin earthquakes.”

She promised that “more than 10,000” new homes would be delivered by 2027.

According to official estimates, the country will need about 25,000 homes for the people left homeless by the disaster.

According to official data, 856 buildings were damaged and 190 collapsed completely.

From the outset, authorities have avoided providing a figure for the number of people missing. The day after the disaster, the UN had estimated that the number could be as high as 50,000, while other estimates put the figure at around 10,000.

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Source: KYPE