The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June has risen to more than 6,000, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez.
The updated figure, announced Monday, represents a significant increase from earlier government estimates that placed the number of fatalities above 4,000.
Rodriguez’s statement underscores the ongoing challenges in assessing the full scale of the disaster, which occurred on June 24.
The discrepancy between the initial government figures and the opposition-led National Assembly’s count highlights the difficulties in coordinating relief efforts and verifying casualties in the affected regions.
The earthquakes caused widespread destruction across northern Venezuela, damaging infrastructure and displacing thousands of residents.
International aid organizations have been working alongside local authorities to provide emergency shelter, medical care, and food supplies to those impacted by the quakes.