Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Hits 6,438 As Thousands Remain Displaced Nearly Two Months Later

The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June has risen to 6,438, according to the latest official figures released on Monday, as rescue teams and relatives continue searching for people still missing.

The updated figure was announced by Parliament Speaker Jorge Rodriguez, increasing the previous death toll of 6,301 reported last week.

The two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck near Venezuela’s coast on June 24 and caused extensive destruction. At least 190 buildings were brought down during the disaster.

Nearly two months after the earthquakes, the effects of the disaster continue to be felt across affected communities, with families and rescue workers still searching through the rubble for missing people.

Authorities estimate that at least 60,000 homes were affected by the earthquakes, with about 24,000 considered uninhabitable.

Thousands of people remain in temporary camps as they wait for permanent accommodation. Conditions in some of the camps have become increasingly difficult, particularly following heavy rainfall.

In Caracas over the weekend, heavy rain destroyed some of the tents being used to shelter earthquake victims, further worsening conditions for displaced residents.

The government of Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has promised to provide permanent housing for people whose homes were destroyed or rendered unsafe by the earthquakes.

However, progress has so far fallen short of the government’s target. Authorities had promised to make 4,000 homes available by the end of the year, but only 335 homes had been provided as of the latest update.

The rising death toll and continuing housing crisis highlight the scale of the devastation caused by the June earthquakes, with thousands of survivors still depending on temporary shelter and humanitarian assistance while reconstruction efforts continue.