Victims of the Venezuelan Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 3,500 Souls

Rescue team at the site of the Venezuelan earthquake ruins. (Wikimedia Commons/U.S. Marines 24MEU/Lance Cpl. Allison White)

JAKARTA - The number of deaths from twin earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 3,535, authorities said on Monday, while nearly 18,000 people are still homeless more than a week after the disaster hit the capital and nearby coastal areas.

Member of Parliament Jorge Rodriguez said the latest official count showed 16,740 people were injured and 17,854 people were displaced after the June 24 earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.2 and 7.5 and occurred in a matter of seconds, Al Arabiya reported from Reuters (7/7).

The new figures underline the scale of the disaster in and around Caracas and La Guaira, the coastal areas worst hit, as criticism mounts over the government's response.

The Vice President for Social Affairs of Venezuela said that at least 12,800 people live in 80 shelters throughout Caracas and La Guaira.

Meanwhile, acting President Delcy Rodriguez defended the government's handling of the disaster amid growing frustration from Venezuelans who described the response as late and inadequate.

He said security forces were deployed immediately after the earthquake and announced the formation of a new military unit to help deal with future emergencies and disasters.

In La Guaira on Monday, Reuters witnesses saw trucks and forensic officers carrying coffins, while machines dug trenches in an open area marked with white crosses, where authorities buried unidentified bodies.

Separately, the United Nations said it was continuing to scale up its aid operations in coordination with the government in Caracas.

"Several search and rescue teams remain stationed in the affected areas, while other specialized technical teams and medical support continue to arrive," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Monday.

Dujarric added that a comprehensive needs assessment that will form the basis of an updated response plan is almost complete, although he did not say when it would be released. UN agencies are already providing services in three camps and assessing other locations for broader support.