The death toll from twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 6,438, according to the latest official figures released on Monday.
The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck near Venezuela’s coast, destroying at least 190 buildings and leaving thousands of people displaced.
According to Channels Television, Parliament Speaker Jorge Rodriguez announced the latest toll, up from the 6,301 deaths reported the previous week. Relatives and rescue teams are still searching for missing people nearly two months after the disaster.
Authorities said about 60,000 homes were affected, including 24,000 that were rendered uninhabitable. Thousands of residents remain in temporary camps amid difficult conditions.
Heavy rain in Caracas over the weekend also damaged some tents housing earthquake victims.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez’s government has pledged to provide permanent housing for those affected. So far, 335 homes have been made available out of the 4,000 the government promised by the end of the year.
The disaster has left communities along the affected areas facing a prolonged recovery as rescue and relief operations continue.