Venezuela Earthquake Disaster: Death Toll Rises to 2,645

The death toll from the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 continues to rise. According to the latest figures from the country's Ministry of Information, the number of fatalities has reached 2,645. Authorities have reported that approximately 12,000 people have been injured and 15,000 have been left homeless. The US Geological Survey stated that the two earthquakes occurred 39 seconds apart. The United Nations Development Program estimated the direct physical damage caused by the earthquakes to be around $6.7 billion. As search and rescue efforts continue, warnings have been issued that the number of dead and injured may increase as debris removal operations progress.