Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 589 as search efforts continue

The death toll from the recent twin earthquakes in Venezuela has increased to 589. Search and rescue operations are particularly focused on the state of La Guaira, north of Caracas, which was the most severely affected area with numerous collapsed buildings. Authorities have deployed additional forces to secure the devastated zone. The number of fatalities is expected to rise as rescue teams continue to work through the affected regions. As of Friday morning, a site established to track missing persons had received 50,000 reports. The United Nations announced on Friday that rescue teams from at least 17 countries are being deployed to assist in the search for survivors. Among the deceased are three Spaniards, nine Portuguese, two Brazilians, one Italian-Venezuelan, and two Chinese nationals. The two tremors, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, occurred within a minute of each other on Wednesday. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the 7.5 magnitude earthquake is the strongest recorded in Venezuela since 1900. The quakes caused significant damage in several northern regions of the country, including La Guaira and the coastal city of Catia La Mar, where many structures collapsed.