*** Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 3,342 | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 3,342

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Caracas: The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 3,342, while more than 16,000 people have been injured, according to updated official figures released on Sunday.

Venezuela's Ministry of Information said 16,470 people were injured and 17,345 displaced after the powerful earthquakes, both of which measured above magnitude 7.

Speaking during celebrations marking the 215th anniversary of Venezuela's independence, interim President Delcy Rodríguez said government relief efforts had helped support affected communities and reduce the disaster's impact.

Rodríguez said security forces were deployed immediately after the earthquakes and announced the creation of a new military unit dedicated to emergency response and disaster relief operations.

The twin quakes caused widespread destruction, with dozens of residential buildings collapsing, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira, north of the capital, Caracas. Rescue and recovery operations are continuing in the affected areas.