The death toll from the earthquakes that occurred in Venezuela last month has reached nearly five thousand, and approximately 50 thousand people are reported missing following the collapses caused by the earthquakes. The European Union has allocated an emergency aid of 20 million euros for reconstruction and medical assistance, reports IPN.

The official data regarding the number of deceased was announced by the President of the Parliament from Caracas, Jorge Rodríguez. The estimate regarding the number of missing persons was presented by the United Nations Organization, which warns that tens of thousands of people could still be under the rubble.

The earthquakes left about 17,000 people injured and more than 21,000 forced to take refuge in makeshift shelters. Locals said that in the first hours after the earthquakes, the authorities’ intervention was slow, with the first rescue efforts being organized by civilians and independent groups, Al Jazeera reports.

To support recovery efforts, the European Union has announced aid of 20 million euros. Half of this amount will be allocated to the affected communities, while the other half will go to rescue teams, medical staff and experts involved in interventions.

The European Commissioner for Equality, Training and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, went to Caracas to coordinate the support offered and to discuss with local authorities. Through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, 750 rescuers from 18 countries have been mobilized so far, as well as approximately 80 tons of supplies.

The UN estimates that the reconstruction of Venezuela after the disaster could require approximately 37 billion dollars.