Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 164
The aftermath of the earthquakes in Venezuela (photo: Getty Images)
The number of people killed and injured by the earthquakes in Venezuela continues to rise. Rescue teams are continuing search operations in the hardest-hit areas, according to the Associated Press.
It is reported that at least 164 people have been killed so far, while another 971 have been injured.
The country's president, Delcy Rodríguez, said the authorities are deploying rescue teams from other regions of the country to the city of La Guaira, located on the coast north of Caracas.
According to her, officials are trying to make the most of the daylight hours to speed up efforts to rescue people believed to still be trapped under the rubble.
"Dozens of buildings have collapsed there ... and we are currently carrying out intensive rescue operations to save lives," Rodríguez said.
She also appealed to businesses to provide heavy construction equipment for the rescue operations. The president added that search and rescue teams certified by the United Nations are already on their way to Venezuela.
AP reported that today, dozens of people posted messages on social media asking for help in finding their loved ones.
Earthquakes in Venezuela
On the evening of June 24, Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.1 and 7.5 in magnitude. The disaster caused significant destruction, including in the country's capital, Caracas.
The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.1, was recorded near the city of Morón on Venezuela's Caribbean coast, about 168 kilometers from Caracas. Less than a minute later, the region was struck by a second, even stronger earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5.
