The death toll from twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June has risen to 6,438, according to the latest official figures released Monday.
Nearly two months after the disaster, relatives and rescue teams continue searching for people still missing amid the rubble.
Parliament Speaker Jorge Rodriguez announced the latest death toll, raising the previous figure of 6,301 reported last week.
The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck near Venezuela’s coast on June 24, destroying at least 190 buildings and leaving widespread damage across affected communities.
Authorities said at least 60,000 homes were affected, with about 24,000 rendered uninhabitable.
Thousands Remain In Temporary Camps
Thousands of residents displaced by the earthquakes remain in temporary camps, where conditions have become increasingly difficult.
Heavy rain in Caracas over the weekend destroyed some of the tents being used to shelter earthquake victims, adding to the challenges facing displaced families.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez’s government has promised permanent housing for people whose homes were destroyed or rendered unsafe.
However, progress has so far fallen short of the government’s target.
Authorities have made 335 homes available to affected residents, compared with the 4,000 homes promised by the end of the year.
The latest death toll underscores the scale of the disaster as rescue and recovery efforts continue nearly two months after the earthquakes.
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