CARACAS — The death toll from twin powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week has surged past 1,400, with rescue teams continuing to search for survivors amid widespread destruction, officials said on Sunday.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said at least 1,430 people were confirmed dead, according to statements reported by multiple outlets including CNN and The Guardian. More than 3,200 others were injured and thousands of families lost their homes, he added.
The quakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, hit northern Venezuela on June 24, with epicenters near San Felipe in Yaracuy state. The second tremor was the country's strongest in more than a century, causing heavy damage particularly in La Guaira and the capital Caracas.
Rescue operations were ongoing Sunday in rubble-strewn areas, complicated by aftershocks — more than 400 recorded — and limited heavy machinery. Authorities have reported tens of thousands of people still missing, with families filing reports for around 46,000 to 69,000 individuals.
Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said hospital records reflected the rising casualty count. The U.S. Geological Survey had previously assessed a high likelihood of significant further casualties.
The government declared affected areas disaster zones. International aid efforts were underway, though local frustration grew over the pace of rescues.
The situation remained fluid as search and recovery operations continued.
