Death toll from Venezuela earthquakes rises to 3,535 as thousands remain homeless

The death toll ‌from Venezuela’s twin earthquakes has risen to 3,535, authorities said on Monday, while nearly 18,000 people remain homeless more than a week after the disaster struck the capital and nearby coastal areas, Reuters writes.

Top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said the latest official tally showed 16,740 people injured and 17,854 left without housing after the June 24 ​quakes, which measured magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 and struck within seconds of each other.

The disaster has also created serious public health risks, including overcrowding in temporary shelters, limited ventilation, shortages of safe drinking water, disruptions to water supply and sanitation services, and inadequate food and waste management.