The death toll from twin powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 1,430, with 3,200 people injured, according to media reports.
The Guardian reported that around 3,200 people were injured and about 3,100 were left homeless after the disaster, citing the National Assembly president in a statement on state television.
Rescuers are still searching for survivors after the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes struck within a minute of each other on Wednesday evening, flattening buildings in northern parts of the country. At least 68,900 people have been reported unaccounted for by their families.
In the hardest-hit area of La Guaira, many residents have been using shovels and their bare hands to dig through the rubble of collapsed buildings.
On Saturday, the UN estimated that the quakes caused $6.7 billion in damage, equivalent to 6% of Venezuela’s GDP.
The preliminary assessment includes losses to assets such as housing but does not account for wider economic disruption, the UN Development Programme said.
Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, said on state television that more than 14,000 members of the military and police were deployed in affected areas, where access remains restricted and special permits are required to enter.
Rescue teams from several countries, including Mexico, the United States, Brazil, El Salvador and France, have also arrived in Venezuela to assist ongoing relief efforts.
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