The death toll from Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes has risen to 3,342, according to the country's information ministry, as rescue teams continue searching affected areas and survivors face an uncertain recovery.

The latest official figures show 16,470 people have been injured, while 17,345 have been left homeless after the powerful quakes caused widespread destruction across parts of the country.

Thousands remain in temporary shelters as authorities work to restore essential services and deliver aid.

Government defends response

The updated toll came as interim President Delcy Rodriguez used a speech marking Venezuela's 215th Independence Day to defend her government's response, following mounting criticism from residents and opposition figures who have accused officials of reacting too slowly to the disaster.

"We deployed the security forces immediately," she said.

She also announced the creation of a new military unit dedicated to responding to future emergencies and natural disasters, saying it would strengthen the country's ability to deal with disasters.

Since the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck on 24 June, Venezuela has recorded 995 aftershocks, according to the latest report.

Residents return to damaged homes

Along La Guaira's battered coastline, scenes of makeshift recovery have become commonplace, as displaced families use ropes and bare hands to lower furniture and household goods from buildings that engineers have not yet cleared as safe.

Dayali Lopez, a quake survivor who spent three nights sleeping in the street after her home was rendered uninhabitable, said she returned to her damaged building to retrieve her belongings despite the risk, driven by economic necessity. 

"You risk your life because we're in a politically broken country," Lopez said, standing beside a pile of salvaged possessions on the street. 

Lopez said she prays each time she steps back through the door of her damaged building. "Every time I walk through that door I say, 'Dear God, if you gave me a second chance, please don't let me get hurt when I go in to get my things,'" she said.

Read more:

• Venezuela death toll rises to nearly 3,342, survivor recounts days beneath the rubble
• Venezuela rejects criticism over earthquake response as death toll rises
• Young survivors of Venezuela quakes run shelters as search drags on

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News Venezuela Earthquake death toll Delcy Rodriguez search and rescue