The Venezuelan information ministry announced Sunday that the combined death toll from two major earthquakes has reached 3,342, with the latest numbers painting a grim picture of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Beyond the fatalities, officials report that 16,470 people sustained injuries in the disaster, while 17,345 individuals have been left without a place to live.
The updated figures came on the same day that interim President Delcy Rodriguez addressed the nation during ceremonies marking Venezuela’s 215th independence day. During her speech, Rodriguez pushed back against mounting criticism that the government’s response to the earthquakes was too slow and fell short of what was needed.
Rodriguez stated that she moved quickly to send security forces to the affected areas following the quakes. She also announced the establishment of a new military unit that will be dedicated to responding to emergencies and natural disasters going forward.
