The death toll from the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday has risen to 920, while at least 3,360 people have been injured, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said on Friday.
Rodríguez said the earthquakes have affected 383 buildings, with at least 172 people still trapped beneath the rubble as rescue operations continue.
He reiterated that La Guaira, the worst-hit region, has been fully militarised and urged the public to avoid travelling to the area.
“We appreciate the overwhelming desire to help, but the roads we are using to transport the injured are becoming congested,” Rodríguez said. “The best way to help is to keep the roads clear so that medical teams can transport patients and rescue crews can carry out their work more effectively.”
Emergency teams continue search and rescue operations as authorities assess the full extent of the destruction caused by the twin earthquakes.