The death toll from the earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 4,333, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said Saturday.
Rodriguez said 16,740 people were injured and 6,462 had been rescued. Authorities have set up 94 temporary camps sheltering more than 18,000 people.
Since the two earthquakes struck on June 24, more than 1,200 aftershocks have been recorded.
Beyond the devastating loss of life and the thousands of injuries, the two powerful earthquakes caused widespread destruction across northern Venezuela, damaging homes, public buildings and infrastructure. The large number of aftershocks has further complicated rescue and recovery efforts, while leaving many residents fearful of additional tremors.
Venezuela quake death toll rises to 4,333
A U.S. military delegation arrived in Lebanon on Saturday and began talks with the Lebanese military on formulating mechanisms for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from two areas within the "security zone" in southern Lebanon, according to a Lebanese military source.
The source said the talks were aimed at activating the first pilot zone within the broader "security zone." Israeli forces would withdraw from this area to allow Lebanese troops to deploy there. The first zone is set to be activated within days, with planning for additional zones also advancing.
Lebanon has told the U.S. side it will skip the next round of Lebanon-Israel talks in Rome until Israel completes the agreed withdrawal, according to earlier reports.
Israel, the U.S. and Lebanon wrapped up four days of ceasefire and withdrawal talks in Washington D.C. on June 26 and announced a trilateral framework agreement, which includes a pilot program for Israeli forces to pull out of two areas on both sides of the Litani River in southern Lebanon, with the Lebanese army to deploy to these areas under U.S. escort.
U.S., Lebanon discuss Israeli withdrawal from "security zone"
