The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 3,342, according to updated figures released on Sunday by the country's Ministry of Information.

The ministry said the number of injured has climbed to 16,470, while 17,345 people have been displaced after losing their homes.

As the humanitarian impact continues to grow, criticism of the government's disaster response has intensified. Many residents have accused authorities of responding too slowly and failing to provide adequate assistance in the aftermath of the earthquakes.

Speaking during a ceremony marking Venezuela's 215th Independence Day, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez defended the government's response to the disaster.

Rodríguez said security forces were deployed to the affected areas immediately after the earthquakes and announced that a new military unit would be established to strengthen the country's disaster response and emergency management capabilities.

Rescue, relief, and recovery efforts are continuing in the affected regions as authorities work to assist displaced residents and restore essential services. (ILKHA)