Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 920, over 50,000 missing

Venezuela's provisional death toll from the recent powerful earthquakes has increased to 920, with over 50,000 people now reported missing. National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced these figures on state television on Friday, June 26. Earlier official counts had indicated 235 fatalities on Thursday, as confirmed by Health Minister Carlos Alvarado, and a prior total of 589. The state of La Guaira, situated north of Caracas, remains the most impacted region by the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 tremors, which occurred on Wednesday, June 24. These seismic events have been characterized as the most intense in 126 years. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing amid extensive damage, particularly in La Guaira, where the Maiquetia - Simon Bolivar International Airport is still closed. International aid, including support from the United States, France, and the Pope, continues to be organized.

Sources: Le Monde