Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 235 as thousands remain missing
Aftermath of the earthquakes in Venezuela (photo: Getty Images)
The death toll from the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on the evening of June 24 continues to rise rapidly. So far, 235 people have been confirmed dead and more than 4,000 injured, the Associated Press reports.
The official death toll rose to around 235 late Thursday, with at least 4,300 people injured, Venezuela Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said.
He also warned that the death toll would continue to rise. Thousands of people are still considered missing, and it is unlikely that all of them will be found alive. Emergency rescue operations are ongoing.
According to media reports, in cities across northern Venezuela, neighbors are helping each other dig through the rubble in search of their loved ones after the earthquakes.
Many survivors have nowhere to go after their homes were destroyed in La Guaira, Caracas, and the surrounding areas.
Notably, the second earthquake was the strongest to hit the country in more than a century.
Following the disaster, the international community responded quickly. US military personnel are already taking part in rescue operations.
Rescue teams from around the world are arriving in the areas hardest hit by the disaster.
Earthquakes in Venezuela
On the evening of June 24, two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.1 and 7.5 struck different regions of the country. Extensive damage was reported in Venezuela's capital, Caracas.
The following day, it became known that the number of dead and injured was continuing to rise. People have been forced to remain outside their homes because of the threat of further aftershocks.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was among the first international officials to respond to the disaster in Venezuela. He said the United States had already deployed its own search teams to assist with rescue efforts and was urgently preparing humanitarian aid.
