Venezuelan authorities have confirmed the death of about 2,600 people as a result of the earthquakes

Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, said the death toll from two powerful earthquakes on June 24 had risen to 2,595. More than 11,000 people were injured or injured, according to authorities. Search and rescue efforts continue.

Rodriguez stressed that the dead will not be buried in mass graves. She also rejected criticism of the authorities, saying emergency services were activated in the first hours after the disaster.

The most difficult situation has developed in the state of La Guaira on the northern coast of the country. Rescue efforts are complicated by a shortage of heavy equipment, and much of the search is being carried out by local volunteers with the participation of foreign rescue teams.

The UN estimates that the final death toll could rise significantly to 50,000 as tens of thousands of people are still missing. Data on the dead and injured continues to be clarified.