The death toll from the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday has risen to 1 430, Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said on Saturday.
Rodriguez said on state television that 3 238 people had been injured and 3 142 families affected by the disaster.
After the magnitude-7.2 and magnitude-7.5 earthquakes, Venezuela has recorded 430 light to moderate aftershocks, Rodriguez said in the latest government update on the national emergency.
On behalf of Venezuelan authorities, Rodriguez offered his condolences to the thousands of victims of the natural disaster.
As of Saturday afternoon, eight Chinese citizens had been confirmed dead in the earthquakes, according to the Chinese Embassy in Venezuela.
Officials said more than 1 600 foreign rescuers had arrived and additional teams were on the way, adding to the growing international response to the twin quakes that struck on Wednesday and unleashed hundreds of aftershocks.
Residents said the response in some areas had been uneven, though heavy machinery was working in parts of Caraballeda and Los Corales by Saturday.
Authorities continued to restrict access to La Guaira and maintained controls on the main road from Caracas, saying traffic was slowing emergency vehicles. Civilians not attached to official rescue teams needed credentials to pass checkpoints.
Power was gradually being restored across the region.
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- The death toll from Wednesday’s Venezuelan earthquakes has risen to 1,430, with 3,238 injured and 3,142 families affected, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez.
- The country experienced two major quakes (magnitude 7.2 and 7.5) followed by 430 aftershocks, triggering a significant national emergency response.
- Eight Chinese citizens have been confirmed dead, and over 1,600 foreign rescuers have arrived to aid in relief efforts, with more teams en route.
- Relief efforts faced challenges including restricted access to affected areas like La Guaira and controls on key roads, slowing emergency vehicles and requiring credentials for civilians.
- Power restoration is underway, and heavy machinery is actively working in hard-hit areas such as Caraballeda and Los Corales.
