Venezuela earthquake death toll climbs to 589 as rescue efforts continue

The death toll from two strong earthquakes that hit Venezuela has risen to 589, while 2,980 people have been injured, acting President Delcy Rodríguez said on Friday.

The updated figures were reported as rescue teams continued searching for survivors.

Rodriguez said efforts were underway to pull people from under collapsed buildings, adding that rescue teams were working around the clock. She said the coastal state of La Guaira was the worst affected by the disaster.

Security forces have been sent to the area to speed up rescue work and help distribute food and drinking water to survivors.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the two earthquakes struck on Wednesday just 39 seconds apart, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude.

The stronger 7.5-magnitude quake hit near the city of Yumare in Yaracuy state, while the 7.2-magnitude tremor was recorded close to San Felipe in the same region, the USGS said.

Search and rescue operations are continuing in several parts of the country as authorities fear the number of casualties could increase further in the coming days.