The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela’s northern coast has climbed to 235, while more than 4,300 people have been injured, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said on Thursday.
Speaking on state-run broadcaster Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), Alvarado said medical teams were continuing to work around the clock to treat the injured.
“Within the public health system, we have treated more than 4,300 injured individuals,” he said. “Tragically, this includes 235 patients who either arrived at our health facilities with no vital signs or passed away shortly after admission.”
Alvarado said La Guaira state had suffered the highest number of casualties and severe injuries. The coastal region, home to Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, has also sustained extensive damage, forcing the indefinite closure of the country’s main international airport.
Authorities have begun setting up temporary field hospitals to accommodate the growing number of trauma patients.
Officials said the destruction was caused by a rare “seismic doublet,” with a 7.2-magnitude foreshock near San Felipe followed 39 seconds later by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake near Yumare.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said seismologists had recorded at least 138 aftershocks, while 346 structures, including apartment buildings, shopping centres and hospitals, had sustained damage, particularly in La Guaira.