The death toll from two deadly earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 4,333, while thousands more have been injured or left homeless, authorities said.
Reuters reported on Saturday, July 11, that Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, said 315 bodies have yet to be identified.
According to Rodríguez, the number of injured remains at 16,740, 6,462 people have been rescued from the rubble, and about 17,000 people have been left homeless.
The report said the Venezuelan government plans to begin distributing homes to affected families next week.
Officials said 200 homes will be allocated to displaced families in the first phase of the program.
Rodríguez added that 856 buildings were damaged in the earthquakes, including 190 that were either completely destroyed or suffered severe structural damage.
According to Venezuelan authorities, preliminary assessments indicate the country will need around 25,000 housing units to accommodate those displaced by the disaster.
The government has so far designated 40 plots of land, covering a total area of 584,000 square meters, for housing projects in the Osma and Chuspa areas.
Authorities said search and rescue operations are continuing, with emergency teams still searching several areas for possible survivors.
