Venezuela’s death toll from the twin June 24 earthquakes has climbed to 6,438, an increase of 137 over the previous week, National Assembly speaker Jorge Rodríguez said Monday in an updated official tally. The number of rescued remains at 6,462, while 86,358 people have received hospital treatment since the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes struck north of Caracas.
Authorities have now assessed 59,109 homes, finding 34,680 habitable, 13,733 subject to restrictions, and 10,696 classified as high-risk. Some 335 replacement homes have been delivered and 528,222 tonnes of rubble removed. The World Bank has estimated direct physical damage at $19.6 billion.
Private broadcaster Venevisión announced it will hold a telethon on October 17 to raise funds for affected communities.