Death toll rises in Venezuela earthquake aftermath

The death toll from the double earthquake that struck northern Venezuela on June 24 has reached at least 6,509 fatalities, according to the interim government. The seismic event consisted of two tremors measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, occurring just 39 seconds apart. The coastal state of La Guaira, located north of the capital Caracas, suffered the most severe damage, with at least 190 buildings destroyed and approximately 25,240 properties now deemed uninhabitable.

Two months after the disaster, rescue efforts led by volunteers and victims' families continue as they search for remains in the wreckage, though authorities have not released official data regarding the number of missing persons. Local officials are currently conducting controlled demolitions of unstable structures to prevent further accidents. Thousands of displaced citizens remain in temporary camps, often living under precarious conditions. This latest update marks an increase from the previous official count of 6,438 deaths reported on August 17.