The official death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen sharply to 589, more than double the previous figure, as emergency responders continue frantic efforts to rescue survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced the updated casualty figure during a televised meeting with military and civilian officials, describing the situation as a national tragedy.
“Regrettably, we now have 589 people who died,” Rodríguez said, confirming a significant increase from the earlier official death toll of 235.
Search-and-rescue teams have been deployed across the worst-hit areas, working around the clock to locate survivors buried under rubble. Heavy machinery, rescue dogs, and emergency personnel are combing through collapsed homes and damaged infrastructure amid fears that the number of casualties could continue to rise.
Thousands of residents have also been displaced, with many forced to seek shelter in temporary camps after the powerful earthquakes destroyed homes and public facilities.
Authorities have appealed for calm as emergency operations continue, while humanitarian agencies are mobilising aid for affected communities. Medical teams have also been dispatched to treat the injured and provide urgent assistance to those displaced by the disaster.
Officials warned that the death toll may increase further as rescue workers gain access to more devastated areas and account for missing persons.
