Venezuela has confirmed that more than 5,000 people died in the twin earthquakes that struck the country last month, officials announced on Monday. The disasters caused extensive damage, particularly in the coastal region where the majority of casualties were reported.

National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez stated on social media platform Telegram that the confirmed death toll had reached 5,069, while the number of injured remained at 16,740. Many of those injured have since been discharged from hospitals, according to earlier reports by Rodriguez.

In response to the disaster, Venezuela has accessed $346 million in emergency funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support reconstruction efforts. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed the drawing of these funds, which were released from Venezuela’s reserve tranche—resources the country holds but has previously been unable to use due to political recognition disputes.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva acknowledged the release on her social media account, noting that the institution had coordinated with key Venezuelan counterparts to facilitate access to the country’s own resources for urgent humanitarian needs.

Approximately 20,000 people displaced by the earthquakes remain in makeshift camps characterized by overcrowding and inadequate access to water and sanitation facilities. Venezuela currently holds about 3.568 billion Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) at the IMF—equivalent to roughly $5.1 billion—but these funds were previously inaccessible because the IMF did not officially recognize Nicolas Maduro’s presidency.

The approval and disbursement of the $346 million represent a significant development in delivering immediate relief to those affected by the seismic events while facilitating the initial stages of the country’s recovery process.