Death Toll from Venezuela Earthquake Rises to 188; Rescue Efforts Underway for 200 People Trapped in the Rubble

[Financial News] The death toll from a series of powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to at least 188. Rescue authorities are focusing all efforts on finding survivors, as an estimated 200 people are believed to be trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.
Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela's National Assembly, said in a TV briefing on the 25th local time that the quake had left 188 people dead and 1,520 injured.
He said about 200 people are currently believed to be buried in the rubble of collapsed buildings, and rescue operations are under way. The number of missing people stood at 157, while the number of displaced households reached 2,927.
Material damage is also mounting quickly. At least 250 buildings have been damaged, and 8 hospitals, 20 shopping centers, and 46 public infrastructure facilities have been affected.
Rodríguez said, "We are in a race against time to save those trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings."
Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's acting president, visited La Guaira State, the hardest-hit area, on the same day to oversee recovery efforts.
The president of the National Assembly said, "The acting president is currently staying in La Guaira State and is coordinating the response to the damage."
La Guaira State, home to Venezuela's main international airport and port, was reported to be the hardest-hit area, with more than 40 high-rise buildings collapsing in the series of earthquakes.

km@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-min Reporter