By Zoila Palma: The death toll from the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday has climbed to 589, while 2,980 people have been injured, according to Acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
The two quakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck less than a minute apart, with the second becoming the strongest earthquake to hit the country since 1900, BBC reports.
Rescue operations continued through the night in the hardest-hit areas, including Caracas and La Guaira, where emergency crews searched collapsed buildings for survivors.
International assistance has begun arriving in Venezuela, with rescue teams from Switzerland, Mexico, Spain and El Salvador joining local emergency responders.
The United States has also pledged US$150 million in humanitarian assistance as countries and aid organizations mobilize to support relief and recovery efforts.
Health officials warn that hospitals are struggling to cope with the growing number of casualties.
The post International News: Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 589 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The death toll from the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday has climbed to 589, while 2,980 people have been injured, according to Acting President Delcy Rodríguez. The two quakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck less than a minute apart, with the second becoming the strongest earthquake to hit
The post International News: Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 589 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.