The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 235, while more than 4,300 people have been injured, according to the country’s health authorities.
Venezuelan Health Minister Carlos Alvarado disclosed the latest figures during a televised address on state broadcaster Venezolana de Televisión.
According to Alvarado, hospitals across the country received approximately 235 victims who either arrived without signs of life or died shortly after being admitted for treatment.
“Unfortunately, we received around 235 patients without vital signs, or they died after reaching our medical facilities,” the minister said.
He added that medical teams have so far treated more than 4,300 injured people as emergency workers continue search and rescue operations in the worst-hit areas.
Authorities warned that the number of casualties could still increase as rescue teams continue searching collapsed buildings for survivors.
The disaster was triggered by two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela within seconds of each other on Wednesday evening.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, making them among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century.
The tremors caused widespread destruction across several parts of the country, damaging homes, hospitals, public buildings and critical infrastructure, while leaving thousands of people displaced.
Search-and-rescue operations remain underway, with emergency workers and volunteers racing to locate people believed to be trapped beneath collapsed structures.
The United Nations has appealed for urgent international assistance, warning that Venezuela will require a large-scale humanitarian response to support rescue efforts, provide emergency medical care and begin the long process of rebuilding affected communities.
