Venezuela earthquake death toll climbs to nearly 4,500

The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has climbed to 4,490, authorities reported.

Officials said around 150 additional fatalities have been recorded, while the number of injured has risen to 16,740.

Meanwhile, nearly 20,000 people are currently staying in evacuation camps.

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Over the weekend, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced that the government will begin turning over apartments to affected families in the coming days. The housing units were already under construction before the earthquakes struck.

The government has also allocated more than 40 plots of land in La Guaira, covering approximately 584,000 square meters, for the construction of new homes.

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The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes hit Caracas and La Guaira on June 24, causing widespread damage and the collapse of several buildings and establishments.

(PHOTO COURTESY: Reuters)