Death Toll from Venezuela Earthquakes Reaches 920 with Over 50,000 Missing

The death toll from two strong earthquakes that struck Venezuela and caused extensive destruction has increased to 920, as search operations continue. The United Nations has estimated that over 50,000 people are still missing.

These developments came amid intensified search efforts two days after the devastating earthquakes and the beginning of international aid arrivals.

The United Nations announced that rescue teams from at least 17 countries have been deployed to assist in locating survivors.

Earlier, Washington reported the arrival of the first U.S. military team in Caracas, led by a Marine Corps general.

Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the National Assembly, confirmed that the death toll from the earthquakes, which registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, has risen to 920. This is an increase from the previous official count of 589 fatalities.

More than 50,000 Missing

A United Nations official told Agence France-Presse that more than 50,000 people remain missing following the earthquakes, warning of a significant rise in the death toll.

Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, described the situation as "an extremely complex emergency response," adding, "We have more than 50,000 missing, so there is a massive task ahead of us to search through the rubble."