Venezuela’s temporary acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, has announced that the death toll from the devastating earthquakes that struck the country has increased to 2,595.
The latest figures represent a sharp rise from the July 1 update, when authorities confirmed 2,295 deaths, while nearly 11,300 people were reported injured.
Rodríguez said search and rescue teams would continue combing through collapsed structures, expressing hope that more survivors could still be pulled from the rubble.
The acting president also announced the establishment of a $200 million state reconstruction fund, created in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, to support recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The twin earthquakes, measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, struck Venezuela on June 24 and were followed by 782 aftershocks recorded in the days that followed.
Authorities said extensive damage was recorded across Caracas and the states of Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo, Lara and Yaracuy.
La Guaira suffered the most severe destruction, with at least 100 buildings reportedly reduced to rubble by the powerful tremors.
