Death toll from Venezuela earthquake rises to over 6,500

The number of fatalities from the devastating earthquake in Venezuela has surpassed 6,500, according to a statement by the country's National Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodríguez, Report informs.

Latest figures indicate that 6,509 people have died, while 226,696 individuals have received medical assistance. Search and rescue operations have saved 6,462 people, and more than 25,000 homes have been damaged.

The earthquake struck on the evening of June 24, with two major tremors of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude recorded about 40 seconds apart. Their epicenters were located 10 kilometers apart in Yaracuy state.

Since the initial shocks, more than 1,500 aftershocks have been registered.