Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 920, over 50,000 missing
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela earlier this week has increased to 920, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez. The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes hit the country's northern region on Wednesday. Rodriguez announced the updated figure, which was previously 589, during a televised address and confirmed a military deployment to La Guaira, one of the most affected states. United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher reported that over 50,000 people are missing. Families are actively searching for loved ones trapped under debris, with rescue efforts ongoing in areas like La Guaira, where workers are using sledgehammers and calling for silence to locate survivors. International support is being mobilized, with the United States pledging $150 million in aid, deploying two warships, transport planes, and helicopters, and suspending economic sanctions to facilitate rescue operations.
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