LA GUAIRA, Venezuela (Midtown Times) — Rescue teams and residents across northern Venezuela continued searching through collapsed buildings Friday after two powerful earthquakes devastated the region, leaving at least 589 people dead and thousands more injured.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the updated death toll while meeting with government officials and international rescue teams that have arrived to assist in the emergency response.
“We are committed to rescuing everyone who remains trapped,” Rodríguez said, adding that authorities are working around the clock to locate survivors and deliver aid to affected communities.
Officials said the coastal state of La Guaira suffered the most severe damage after back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck Wednesday evening. The government has deployed military personnel to support search-and-rescue operations, maintain security, and distribute food, water, and other emergency supplies.
Authorities warned that the number of casualties is likely to increase as thousands of people remain unaccounted for and crews continue searching through the wreckage of collapsed homes and buildings.
Despite the widespread destruction, emergency responders have rescued dozens of survivors. Many of those pulled from the debris, including children, were covered in dust and suffering from serious injuries before being transported for medical treatment.
International rescue teams continue arriving in Venezuela as hopes remain that more survivors can be found beneath the rubble.
