Twin earthquakes that devastated Venezuela last month caused at least $19.6 billion in direct physical damage, the World Bank said in an estimate Thursday, stressing the need for a rapid increase in public reconstruction funding to avoid lasting economic effects. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementThe World Bank's assessment focused only on damage to buildings and infrastructure. La Guaira and the district encompassing the capital Caracas were the hardest hit, accounting for roughly half of all damage, according to the World Bank. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementThe pace of reconstruction will "be a decisive factor in shaping the country's economic recovery and social outcomes," the World Bank said in a statement. She added that the World Bank would support recovery efforts "every step of the way."