Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to nearly 5,000

The double earthquake that struck northern Venezuela on 24 June has killed 4,930 people, according to the National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez. A further 101 deaths were added in the latest update, bringing the fatality count close to 5,000. Authorities report 16,740 injured and 17,907 people left without homes. The quakes damaged 856 buildings, of which 190 collapsed, and generated more than 1,300 aftershocks.

The government has opened 107 temporary camps that now shelter about 21,210 displaced persons, while 6,462 survivors have been rescued. A biometric census is planned to assess housing needs, with estimates of up to 25,000 new homes required. International aid is flowing: the German humanitarian group Humedica is delivering medical supplies, and the UN has appealed for $300 million, estimating $37 billion needed for full recovery. U.S. sanctions are cited as hampering relief efforts, prompting a bipartisan congressional letter urging easing of restrictions.