Venezuela earthquake death toll hits 4,930

The death toll from Venezuela’s June earthquakes has climbed to 4,930, with officials fearing up to 50,000 people remain missing under the rubble.

Over 21,000 survivors are now living in emergency shelters after their homes were destroyed.

Angry residents have criticized the government for a slow response, claiming independent volunteers provided the first wave of aid.

Reconstruction is stalling as international sanctions block the country from accessing 11 billion dollars in frozen assets.

With rebuild costs estimated at 37 billion dollars, US lawmakers are now urging the White House to ease financial restrictions to prevent a massive humanitarian catastrophe there.