Venezuela earthquakes latest: Nearly 50,000 unaccounted for as death toll climbs

Nearly 50,000 people remain unaccounted for in the wake of Venezuela’s powerful earthquakes as the death toll continues to climb, officials said.

At least 2,295 people have died and another 11,267 were injured from the pair of earthquakes that struck on June 24, knocking down buildings and sending residents racing into the street, Venezuelan lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said Wednesday.

Rodriguez said 26,403 people have been impacted, including those who lost homes or saw serious damage to their homes.

One week in, rescue efforts are ongoing.

The International Rescue Committee said children are among the nearly 50,000 people still missing and searchers are combing through the rubble with bare hands trying to find survivors.

The IRC also noted that Venezuela’s water system has failed in some areas, leaving many survivors without guaranteed access to safe drinking water.

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