The death toll from the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last month has climbed to 5,069 as recovery and debris removal operations continue, authorities said on Friday.

In a statement, the interim government of President Delcy Rodriguez said the number of injured remained unchanged at 16,740, the same figure reported over the past 11 days, reports AP.

Officials said the higher death toll resulted from ongoing search and recovery efforts, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira, which suffered the worst damage from the June 24 earthquakes near the Caribbean Sea.

Authorities have recorded 1,331 aftershocks since the twin earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5.

According to the government, the quakes damaged 856 buildings, while 190 structures collapsed completely. 

Hundreds of other facilities, including bridges and roads, also sustained varying degrees of damage.

Rescue, recovery and damage assessment operations are continuing in the affected areas, officials said.

MSH

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