Venezuela silent on quake missing toll as deaths reach 6,125

CARACAS – Official figures show more than 6,000 people died in the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June, but authorities remain silent on how many are still missing.

The latest government report, published on Monday, lists 6,125 deaths and 60,992 people who received medical treatment.

It also recorded 43,679 households affected and 346,755 tonnes of rubble cleared.

However, the authorities have yet to provide any information on the number of people missing since the two tremors struck on June 24.

Barring a miracle, those still not found are believed to have died, leaving families searching for loved ones beneath the rubble in a state of deep uncertainty and thin hope.

Meanwhile, dozens of volunteers continue to dig through collapsed buildings in the coastal area of Caraballeda, as they are doing in several other parts of the worst-hit state of La Guaira.

“We will continue this effort. He is my grandson,” said Victor Morales, in tears, who is still searching for his 11-year-old grandson.

Morales had earlier recovered the body of his 13-year-old granddaughter from the debris.

“We have been here since the first day, digging a hole down to the base of the building,” the 50-year-old carpenter told AFP.

“Until I find him, I will not stop,” he added.

The earthquakes, of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, destroyed hundreds of buildings, especially in La Guaira on the country's northern coast, the worst-affected state. – AGENCIES