Venezuela’s official death toll from the recent twin earthquakes has risen to at least 2,295, but many are questioning the accuracy of this number. A forensic pathologist, who wished to remain anonymous, believes the actual death toll may be much higher, possibly not even a third of the true number.

Concerns Over Death Toll

The pathologist works in a makeshift morgue in the port city of La Guaira, which has been badly impacted by the earthquakes. She stated that the morgue is processing around 400 bodies a day, many of which are battered beyond recognition or in advanced states of decay. The lack of space in refrigerated trucks has forced them to place body bags outside, where they decompose quickly.

Opposition politicians, such as María Corina Machado, have accused the government of downplaying the level of destruction. Venezuelans abroad have created unofficial avenues to report missing people, as the government has not yet provided an official figure.

International Response

The United Nations’ coordinator for Venezuela, Gianluca Rampolla del Tindaro, has stated that the number of deaths is likely higher than the official count. The Venezuelan government has received significant help from abroad for its rescue and recovery missions, but the pathologist has not yet seen any volunteer pathologists to help prepare and identify bodies.

The situation has taken a toll on the pathologist, who has not slept well due to the overwhelming number of bodies. Many families have been forced to identify their loved ones through tattoos, dental work, or clothing, as DNA testing is too costly in Venezuela.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.