Venezuela quake toll rises

 At least 164 people were killed and 971 others injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said in televised remarks on Thursday.

Speaking to Venezolana de Television, Rodriguez said search and rescue operations continued overnight, adding that authorities remained in direct contact with the governor of La Guaira state and local officials. She said the affected area had been declared a natural disaster zone due to the number of collapsed buildings, and that rescuers had been transferred from other states to support operations in La Guaira and Greater Caracas.

The acting president also requested support from the private sector for rescue efforts and announced the creation of an initial $200 million fund, using resources held at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to help rebuild infrastructure, hospitals, and homes for those who lost their houses. Rodriguez said 30 aftershocks had been recorded since the two earthquakes hit at around 6 pm local time.

Venezuela quake toll rises to 164 dead, nearly 1,000 injured - Breaking The News