Death toll in Venezuela

Death toll in Venezuela rises to at least 589, authorities say

By Lauren Kent and Yelena Gonzalez

The death toll following the earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 589, with 2,980 people injured, according to acting President Delcy Rodríguez on Friday.

The update comes as rescuers work to find more people trapped under the rubble during the critical “golden window” of up to 72 hours following the earthquake. The death toll is expected to rise significantly as search teams find more victims.

“We haven’t slept a wink in our efforts to save lives,” Rodríguez told Venezuela’s state broadcaster VTV, as she also praised the arrival of international assistance and emergency crews. “We have saved dozens of lives.”

VTV also reported that search and rescue teams are concentrating efforts on the state of La Guaira, which appears to be the most affected area. The government said it has also established a stockpile center of food, water and medicines for those in need at the foreign ministry in Caracas.