The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes, which registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, has risen to 3,342, according to the Venezuelan information ministry. The latest figures also indicate that 16,470 people have been injured and 17,345 have been left homeless.
While rescue operations to search for survivors continue, international rescue teams have begun winding down their operations. Medical teams have treated 22,445 people so far, with nearly 30,000 officials and 3,281 international rescue workers deployed to assist those affected. Despite these efforts, tens of thousands remain missing, with the United Nations estimating that as many as 50,000 people are unaccounted for.
During a speech commemorating Venezuela's 215th independence day, interim President Delcy Rodriguez defended the government's actions following the disaster. This defense comes amid growing frustration over what many have described as a delayed and inadequate response. Rodriguez stated that security forces were deployed immediately and announced the creation of a new military unit dedicated to handling emergencies and disasters.