Death toll from Venezuela earthquakes tops 6,000

The twin quakes that devastated Venezuela in June killed 6,125 people, according to National Assembly Chief Jorge Rodríguez. 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. What's next? Venezuelan lawmakers have approved a new housing bill which aims to help people displaced by the quakes. The death toll from twin earthquakes which struck Venezuela in June has risen to 6,125, according to figures released by top lawmaker Jorge Rodríguez. Mr Rodríguez, head of Venezuela's National Assembly, posted details on Telegram showing nearly 61,000 people were treated in hospitals. He said 16.5 per cent of the debris generated by the quakes had been removed. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes struck on June 24, hitting within 39 seconds of each other and causing nearly 200 buildings to collapse, mostly in the worst-hit coastal state of La Guaira. Last month the World Bank estimated the quakes caused $US19.6 billion ($28 billion) in direct physical damage, but the cost of rebuilding could be twice that much or more. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who US President Donald Trump backs, has defended the government's response amid criticism that military personnel and other officials arrived late and have done little to help victims of the quake, including people who were trapped in the rubble. About 1,400 still missing Rescue teams and family members continue to sift through the rubble in search of victims and loved ones. Local media quoted La Guaira Governor Jose Alejandro Teran as saying about 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. In addition to the 190 buildings that were destroyed, authorities have classified over 16,200 structures as unsafe, prompting many to leave. Almost 24,000 people in La Guaira and Caracas are living in makeshift shelters following the earthquakes. Venezuelan lawmakers approve rental bill Venezuelan lawmakers last week unanimously approved a law that makes it easier to rent properties. The measure, which aims to help displaced quake victims, repeals anti-rental legislation passed by former leftist Chavista administrations. "We are estimating around 400,000 homes that could benefit from this law," interim leader Delcy Rodríguez said Monday, local time, describing a "win-win" situation for tenants and property owners. Ms Rodríguez previously pledged to provide 4,000 homes to quake victims by the end of the year, with the government aiming for that number to exceed 10,000 in 2027.