People loot a store in Catia La Mar, Venezuela, on Thursday, following a pair of strong earthquakes that struck the nation a day prior, killing more than 200 people. File Photo by Ronald Pena R/EPA
June 26 (UPI) -- The death toll from a pair of strong earthquakes that struck Venezuela has continued to rise as the United States and other nations rushed rescue teams and emergency aid to the South American nation.
As of 7 p.m. local time Thursday, at least 235 people were dead and more than 4,300 were injured, Venezuelan Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said on state broadcaster VTV, Venezuelan outlet Globovision reported.
However, many more are feared dead as rescuers continue to scour the rubble of destroyed buildings for survivors.
Some 250 buildings were reportedly damaged in northern Venezuela by the pair of earthquakes that struck the nation on Wednesday evening, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, who earlier said some 200 people were trapped under rubble and more than 150 individuals were missing.
