The death toll from the two earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 3,342, according to figures released Sunday by the country’s Ministry of Information. The updated count also shows 16,470 people injured and 17,345 displaced.
Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, used a speech marking the 215th anniversary of the country’s independence to defend the government’s handling of the disaster. Her remarks came amid mounting public frustration over what many have described as a slow and inadequate response. Rodriguez said security forces were deployed immediately after the quakes, and announced the formation of a new military unit dedicated to emergency and disaster response.
