Venezuela earthquake death toll surpasses 1,700 as search efforts continue
The scale of destruction caused by Venezuela's twin earthquakes continues to emerge as the death toll surpassed 1,700 and satellite imagery revealed widespread devastation across the country.
Venezuelan authorities said on Monday that at least 1,719 people have been killed and 5,034 injured since two powerful earthquakes struck the country last Monday.
More than 50,000 people remain missing or unaccounted for as rescue teams continue searching through the rubble of thousands of collapsed and damaged buildings, with hopes of finding more survivors fading.
The US Geological Survey said the earthquakes measured magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 and struck less than 40 seconds apart.
The magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck about 23 kilometers southeast of Yumare in Yaracuy state, while the magnitude 7.2 quake hit roughly 24 kilometers northeast of San Felipe.
The earthquakes caused extensive destruction in Caracas and several coastal states, including La Guaira, Carabobo, Miranda, Aragua and Falcon.
Tens of thousands of people have been displaced, placing additional strain on emergency services and relief efforts.
A preliminary assessment based on satellite radar data indicates that approximately 58,870 buildings may have been damaged or destroyed across the affected region.
Seismic activity has continued since the disaster, as a magnitude 4.6 aftershock struck near Caraballeda on Monday, one of more than 600 tremors recorded since the initial earthquakes.
No additional damage was immediately reported, although the shaking sent residents in Caracas running into the streets.
In a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart, Yván Gil Pinto, on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conveyed the condolences of the Iranian government and people to Venezuela, particularly to the families of those killed in the earthquakes.
Araghchi wished those injured a speedy recovery and said the Islamic Republic of Iran stands with the Venezuelan people during this difficult time.
The FM also said Tehran is ready to provide assistance and participate in search-and-rescue operations.
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