The double earthquake that struck Venezuela claimed the lives of at least 6,509 people, according to the latest preliminary tally released yesterday, Monday, by the interim government, as volunteers and relatives continue to search for bodies in the rubble, two months after the tragedy.
A previous official preliminary toll, announced on August 17, put the death toll at 6,438.
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At least 190 buildings collapsed as a result of the 7.2- and 7.5 on the Richter scale that struck northern Venezuela on June 24, 39 seconds apart—the first followed by the second—particularly affecting the coastal state of La Guaira, north of the capital, Caracas.
Two months after the disaster, volunteer rescuers and relatives of victims continue the search in La Guaira to locate bodies.
To date, authorities have refrained from releasing figures on the number of missing persons.
According to the most recent data, some 25,240 properties are now considered uninhabitable. In Wayra, authorities are carrying out controlled demolitions of buildings deemed at risk of collapse.
Thousands of citizens continue to live in temporary camps, often under precarious conditions and at the mercy of the torrential rains that have battered the region in recent weeks.
The caretaker government of President Delcy Rodríguez has promised new homes to those affected by the earthquake. So far, it has been announced that 335 of the 4,000 homes promised to be distributed to eligible recipients by the end of this year have been allocated.
Source: CNA
