Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 6,438; Over 60,000 Homes Damaged

The devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela in late June have resulted in a provisional death toll of at least 6,438, according to an updated figure released Monday by Parliament President Jorge Rodríguez. This figure represents an increase from the previous official toll of 6,301 announced on August 10. Rescue workers and relatives continue to search for missing persons amidst the debris nearly two months after the tragedy in the Latin American nation.

The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes on June 24 caused the collapse of at least 190 buildings, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira, north of the capital Caracas. Thousands of people remain unaccounted for, with the interim government refraining from releasing estimates on the number of missing individuals. Authorities report that out of nearly 60,000 homes and buildings damaged or completely destroyed, over 24,000 are now considered uninhabitable.

Thousands of citizens are currently residing in temporary settlements, often under precarious conditions. Recent heavy rainfall on Saturday night destroyed tents housing earthquake survivors in some of these camps in Caracas. The interim government, led by President Delcy Rodríguez, has pledged to provide new housing for those affected. As of Monday, 335 of the planned 4,000 new homes for eligible recipients by the end of the year have been allocated.