Venezuela earthquake toll rises to 235 dead, 4,300 injured

The death toll from the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 235, with more than 4,300 injured, according to Health Minister Carlos Alvarado Source: El Caribe. The twin quakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 devastated the coastal state of La Guaira, where the majority of casualties occurred. Presidenta Encargada Delcy Rodríguez visited the area and declared it a disaster zone, announcing a $200 million fund from the country's deposits in the International Monetary Fund for reconstruction Source: El Caribe.

International Response

Several countries have mobilised aid. Chile and Mexico have sent rescue teams and humanitarian assistance, while Brazil dispatched a military cargo plane with 36 specialised firefighters and four Civil Defence technicians Source: El Caribe. The United States deployed search-and-rescue units from Fairfax, Virginia, and Los Angeles, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that the priority is locating survivors Source: El Caribe. First rescuers from the Dominican Republic have already arrived, and about 50 Chilean rescuers are expected Source: Emol.

Key Facts

• The quakes caused widespread damage to buildings, including the closure of the Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía.
• Field hospitals have been set up to handle the injured Source: Emol.