Kathmandu— Top Venezuelan lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez announced on Monday that the death toll from the twin earthquakes that hit the country in late June has surpassed 6,000. The quakes, which had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, caused widespread destruction, including nearly 200 collapsed buildings in La Guaira state.

Devastating Impact on Infrastructure

The earthquakes led to the collapse of almost 200 buildings, primarily in the coastal state of La Guaira. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that a total of 2.1 million tons of debris needs to be cleared, with clean-up operations having removed approximately 350,000 tons so far. This represents only about 16.5% of the total wreckage.

Over 16,200 structures have been classified as unsafe by authorities, forcing many residents to abandon their homes and seek shelter in makeshift accommodations in La Guaira and Caracas.

Government Response and Legislation

In response to the crisis, lawmakers unanimously approved a new law that simplifies property rental processes. This measure aims to assist displaced victims by repealing previous anti-rental legislation enacted under former leftist administrations. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has defended her government's efforts despite criticism over its handling of earthquake relief and rescue operations.

(With inputs from DW)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.