Venezuela Earthquakes: Death Toll Rises To 589 With Almost 3,000 Injured

The death toll from two powerful earthquakes in Venezuela rose to 589, with 3,000 injured, acting President Delcy Rodríguez said early Friday.

She made the announced surrounded by government and military officials as she welcomed the arrival of rescue crews from all over the world. "We are going to rescue the people who are trapped," she said.

"We are working tirelessly on this task." She said the state of La Guaira has been hardest hit by the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck Wednesday evening, noting that it has been militarized as crews search for survivors and distribute food and water.

The first earthquake measured 7.2 in magnitude and struck about 168 kilometres west of Caracas, with its epicentre located near the town of Morón. It occurred at a depth of 22 kilometres. Just a minute later, a second, stronger earthquake of 7.5 magnitude hit the region.

Its epicentre was around 16 kilometres southwest of Morón, and it originated at a shallower depth of 10 kilometres.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the twin earthquakes are expected to cause widespread destruction, with a high likelihood of significant casualties and severe damage. Preliminary estimates suggest the death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000, depending on the extent of the impact.

The back-to-back tremors are among the most powerful earthquakes to hit Venezuela in over a century, making them one of the country's worst seismic events in recent history.