Death toll from Venezuela quakes rises past 6,000

CARACAS: The twin quakes that shattered Venezuela in June killed 6,125 people, National Assembly Chief Jorge Rodriguez said Monday.

The updated figure comes weeks after the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes struck on June 24, causing nearly 200 buildings to collapse, mostly in the worst-hit coastal state of La Guaira.

The previous death toll had stood at 5,546.

Rescue teams and family members continue to sift through the rubble in search of victims and loved ones, while almost 17,000 people were injured in the tremors.

Local media have quoted La Guaira Governor Jose Alejandro Teran as saying around 1,400 people remain missing after the disaster.

The government has not otherwise disclosed how many people are missing, but expert projections have put the figure at up to 10,000.

On top of 190 completely decimated buildings, authorities have classified 6,433 structures as "high-risk," while another 9,866 have been designated as "restricted housing" to underline the dangers for inhabitants.

Almost 24,000 people in La Guaira and Caracas are living in makeshift shelters following the earthquakes.

Venezuelan lawmakers on Friday unanimously approved a law that makes it easier to rent properties.

The measure, aiming to help displaced quake victims, must be enacted by interim leader Delcy Rodriguez to become law.