The death toll from twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has climbed to at least 164, with 971 people injured, interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced on Thursday.
The figures mark a sharp rise from the 32 deaths and 700 injuries reported in the immediate aftermath.
Rodriguez said about 30 aftershocks have been recorded since the main quakes hit on Wednesday evening.
A magnitude 7.2 foreshock struck near Moron on the Caribbean coast, followed 39 seconds later by a 7.5-magnitude mainshock about 45 kilometers away, according to the US Geological Survey.
La Guaira state, home to Venezuela’s main airport and one of its largest seaports, was the hardest hit and has been declared a disaster zone. Simon Bolivar International Airport remains closed after sustaining damage.
US President Donald Trump pledged American assistance, saying he had instructed government agencies to move quickly. The US State Department has since deployed a disaster assistance team along with search and rescue personnel. Rescue teams from Qatar, Mexico and El Salvador have also been mobilized, while Ecuador and Bolivia offered humanitarian aid.
Rodriguez announced a $200 million reconstruction fund for damaged hospitals and homes. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and report damage through a government app, while schools remain closed and some buildings are being converted into shelters.
