Caracas, Aug 4: The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June has risen to 6,125, as rescue teams continue search operations and authorities work to support thousands of people affected by the disaster.
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National Assembly Chief Jorge Rodriguez confirmed the updated death toll, which comes weeks after powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes hit the country on June 24. The tremors caused widespread destruction, with nearly 200 buildings collapsing, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira.
The earlier reported death toll stood at 5,546, while nearly 17,000 people have been injured in the disaster. Rescue workers and families are still searching through damaged structures for missing victims.
Authorities in La Guaira said around 1,400 people remain missing, although official figures on missing persons have not been fully released. Some estimates suggest the number could be significantly higher.
The earthquakes have left thousands of homes damaged, with more than 16,200 structures declared unsafe. Nearly 24,000 residents in La Guaira and Caracas are currently living in temporary shelters after being displaced from their homes.
To assist affected families, Venezuelan lawmakers have approved measures aimed at making rental housing more accessible for displaced residents. The new legislation is expected to help increase housing availability for earthquake survivors.
Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez said the government is working to provide new homes for affected families, with an initial target of 4,000 houses by the end of the year and plans to expand the number in the coming years.
The government continues to coordinate relief and rehabilitation efforts as communities recover from one of the country’s worst natural disasters in recent years.
