Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Tops 900

Rescue efforts are continuing in Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday evening.

According to the latest figures, at least 920 people have died, another 3,360 have been injured, and 172 people remain trapped under the rubble. Authorities also report that more than 50,000 people are missing.

On Friday afternoon, the region was struck by another earthquake with a magnitude of 4.9, which was felt in both Caracas and Maracay.

The situation is worst in La Guaira state, where residents and volunteers are still clearing debris, mostly with their bare hands. There is a lack of heavy equipment and sufficient rescue personnel. In some areas, looting of stores has occurred.

Foreign rescue teams, including American aid, have already begun arriving in the country. The United States has pledged $150m in humanitarian aid and has dispatched ships, helicopters and planes to support the search for survivors.

Rescuers are using drones, thermal imaging cameras and dogs to search for people trapped under the rubble. Estimates from the US Geological Survey suggest that the final death toll could exceed 10,000, which would make this one of the deadliest earthquakes in Latin America in the past century.

(Reuters, Lud)