Venezuela's official death toll from twin earthquakes that struck near the country's coast on June 24 rose to 6,438, Parliament Speaker Jorge Rodriguez announced on Aug 17, up from 6,301 reported the previous week.
Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 6,438, two months after twin quakes
Venezuela's official death toll from twin earthquakes that struck near the country's coast on June 24 rose to 6,438, Parliament Speaker Jorge Rodriguez announced on Aug 17, up from 6,301 reported the previous week.
The two earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, knocked down at least 190 buildings. Authorities say at least 60,000 homes were affected in some way, with 24,000 left uninhabitable.
Nearly two months after the disaster, relatives and rescuers continue searching for missing persons amid rubble. Thousands of residents remain in temporary camps, where conditions are described as precarious.
Heavy rain in Caracas over the weekend destroyed some of the tents housing victims.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez's government has promised housing for those affected. As of the report, 335 homes have been made available out of 4,000 promised by the end of 2026.
- The source does not state how many people remain missing.
- The source does not provide the total number of people currently living in temporary camps.
- The source does not specify the source of the housing figures or which authority is overseeing their delivery.
- The source does not state whether any independent or international body has verified the official death toll.
- The source does not describe the extent of damage caused by the weekend rainfall to the temporary camps beyond the destruction of some tents.
Read the original at The Straits Times