The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 3,342, according to figures released by the Venezuelan information ministry on Sunday. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude shocks have left 16,470 people injured and 17,345 homeless. While official figures have been updated, the United Nations estimates that as many as 50,000 people remain unaccounted for.
International rescue teams have begun winding down their search operations for survivors in the rubble. As these operations close, many families continue to search for signs of their missing loved ones.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez defended the government's emergency response during a speech commemorating Venezuela's 215th independence day. Rodriguez stated that she deployed security forces immediately and announced the creation of a new military unit to assist with emergencies and disasters, vowing that the country would not descend into social unrest.
Despite these assurances, many Venezuelans have expressed anger and frustration, accusing the US-backed government of providing a delayed and inadequate response to the disaster before international teams arrived.