Venezuela earthquake death toll climbs to 3,535

Authorities in Venezuela say the death toll from the twin earthquakes that hit near Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira on June 24 has reached 3,535. Officials also report that almost 18,000 people remain without homes more than a week after the disaster. Government figures put the number of injured at 16,740, while more than 12,800 displaced residents are staying in 80 shelters across Caracas and La Guaira. Health officials and the Pan American Health Organization have warned that overcrowding, poor ventilation, unsafe water, and sanitation problems in temporary shelters could increase the risk of disease. The response to the disaster has drawn criticism from humanitarian groups and some residents, although Venezuelan officials say security forces were deployed quickly and that efforts are under way to manage the aftermath. The United Nations and other organizations continue to support rescue, medical, and bodyrecovery operations in the affected areas.