Death toll from Venezuela earthquake rises to 1,430

CARACAS, June 28 (YPA) – The president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, said the death toll from the recent earthquake is expected to continue rising, with the number of fatalities reaching 1,430.

Earlier official figures had said that 920 people were killed and more than 3,000 others injured in the earthquake.

The earthquake struck northern Venezuela on June 24 and consisted of two powerful tremors measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart. The epicenters were located about 10 kilometers apart in Yaracuy state, followed by more than 200 aftershocks.

Rescue and relief operations are continuing across the affected areas, particularly in Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira, where search teams are working to locate people believed to be trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Authorities have also reported a large number of missing persons.

The disaster has caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including transportation and utility networks. Maiquetía International Airport has experienced operational disruptions, while electricity, gas, and metro services have been affected.

Hospitals in several affected areas are reportedly facing shortages of medical supplies and essential medicines, with some healthcare facilities sustaining damage during the earthquake.