A volunteer rescuer in Caraballeda, La Guaira state

Death toll in Venezuela twin earthquakes rises past 4,800

· RTE.ie

The death toll from last month's devastating twin earthquakes in Venezuela has surpassed 4,800.

The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck within a minute of each other on 24 June, decimating the coastal state of La Guaira, located north of Caracas.

The disaster has killed 4,829 people, according to a new toll shared by National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez on Telegram.

Buildings at the Urbanismo Comunidad Socialista Residencias Hugo Chavez are seen damaged in Catia La Mar, La Guaira state

Rescue workers and family members in La Guaira are ploughing ahead with their search for victims buried under collapsed buildings, three weeks after the earthquakes struck.

At least 20,857 people made homeless by the quakes are living in overcrowded camps, many of which lack water supplies and proper sanitation systems.

The tremors injured 16,740 people, with Mr Rodriguez earlier stating that most had already been discharged.