By Oluwakemi Kindness
The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June has risen to 6,438, according to the latest official figures.
Parliament Speaker, Jorge Rodriguez announced the new toll on Monday, up from 6,301 deaths recorded last week.
The 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck off Venezuela’s coast on June 24, destroying at least 190 buildings.
Authorities say about 60,000 homes were affected, including 24,000 that were left uninhabitable.
Nearly two months after the disaster, relatives and rescuers are still searching for people reported missing beneath the rubble.
Thousands of survivors remain in temporary camps as they wait for permanent housing.
In Caracas, heavy rain over the weekend destroyed some of the tents sheltering earthquake victims, further worsening conditions in the camps.
Interim President, Delcy Rodriguez’s government has promised to provide housing for those displaced by the disaster.
However, only 335 homes have so far been made available out of the 4,000 homes promised by the end of the year.
