Venezuela dead tops 6,300

CARACAS (AFP) — The death toll from Venezuela’s twin earthquakes in June has risen to 6,301, the government said Monday, as rescue teams and families continued searching for victims.

National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez announced the latest toll, up from 6,125 reported 3 August.

The government has not said how many people remain missing after the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude quakes destroyed about 190 buildings.

La Guaira Gov. Jose Alejandro Teran said last week that about 1,400 people remained missing.

About 24,000 people were left homeless, many living in makeshift camps. A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck neighboring Colombia on Monday, reviving painful memories for Venezuelans. The quake killed at least 111 people and injured 87, according to Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella.