*** Venezuela Quake Death Toll Climbs to 5,069 as IMF Releases $346 Million | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Venezuela Quake Death Toll Climbs to 5,069 as IMF Releases $346 Million

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Caracas: The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 5,069, as the country draws $346 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support reconstruction and humanitarian efforts.

The 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck within a minute of each other, devastating the coastal state of La Guaira. More than 16,700 people have been injured, while around 20,000 survivors remain homeless and are living in overcrowded camps, with some areas facing shortages of water and other essential supplies.

The IMF said the money was released from Venezuela's own reserve tranche for urgent humanitarian needs. The funds had previously been inaccessible after the IMF stopped recognising Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela's president.

The disaster has left communities struggling to obtain basic necessities, with supplies running short in villages near the worst-hit areas as residents continue to cope with the destruction caused by the quakes.

Pic Credit: AFP