Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 2,954

CARACAS — The death toll from the powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela last month has risen to 2,954, while 16,592 people have been injured, the country’s Communication and Information Ministry said on Saturday.According to the ministry, 6,462 people have been rescued since the earthquakes, which damaged 856 buildings, including 190 that collapsed.The ministry said 3,281 international rescue workers have been deployed to the affected areas, while Venezuelan authorities have mobilized 29,567 personnel to support relief operations.Rescue teams remain stationed in the hardest-hit areas to ensure public safety and assist ongoing recovery and reconstruction efforts, the statement added.According to the U.S. Geological Survey, two earthquakes measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck the South American country on June 24, just 39 seconds apart.Authorities said the earthquakes have been followed by 942 aftershocks so far.