June 28, LNW(Colombo):The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to more than 1,400, while 3,238 people have been injured, authorities said on Saturday.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said that 3,142 families have been displaced after thousands of homes were destroyed or severely damaged, with many now taking shelter in temporary accommodation.
Rescue operations continued in the worst-affected coastal state of La Guaira and parts of the capital, Caracas, where emergency workers, volunteers and residents have been searching through the rubble for survivors. Some residents reported a shortage of heavy rescue equipment and a limited official response in the early days following the disaster.
Officials said more than 1,600 foreign rescue personnel have arrived in Venezuela to assist with search and recovery efforts, with additional international teams expected in the coming days. The twin earthquakes struck on Wednesday and have been followed by hundreds of aftershocks, complicating rescue operations and increasing concerns for affected communities.