CARACAS, July 2. /Dunyo IA/. Death toll from two powerful earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 2,295, while the number of injured has reached 11,267, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing CNN.

“We are currently counting 12,841 affected people,” said Jorge Rodríguez, Speaker of Venezuela’s National Assembly, during the government’s daily briefing on the situation in the country.

According to him, more than 4,000 rescue workers and volunteers from Venezuela and abroad have rescued 6,461 people.

Meanwhile, the United Nations estimates that around 50,000 people remain missing. Jorge Rodríguez said that approximately 30,000 of them were in the port area of La Guaira, the city hardest hit by the earthquakes. He expressed hope that as many as 20,000 of those missing may still be alive, noting that many people managed to escape on their own or with the help of relatives and neighbours.

He also urged healthcare workers, security personnel, and firefighters to register on the “Patria” platform to receive assistance in addressing housing problems caused by the earthquakes.

Authorities reported that 25 temporary shelters are currently operating across the country, including 13 in city of La Guaira, eight in Caracas, two in Miranda, one in Carabobo, and one in Yaracuy. The government is continuing efforts to equip the shelters and relocate those affected by the disaster.

Jorge Rodríguez added that since June 24, Venezuela has recorded 782 aftershocks, although both their frequency and magnitude have decreased.

Acting President of Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez yesterday declared a seven-day national mourning period in memory of the victims of the earthquakes.

“In these moments of profound sadness, we embrace those suffering from tragedy and reaffirm our commitment to accompany and protect them,” she said.

Photo credit: AP