Death toll from powerful Venezuela earthquakes rises to 164

CARACAS -- Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez said early Thursday that the death toll from the powerful earthquakes that struck the country had risen to 164, while 971 people were injured.

Rodriguez said the earthquakes had triggered 30 aftershocks. Rescue personnel from across the country were being deployed to concentrate efforts in the hardest-hit areas, particularly La Guaira state and Greater Caracas, where 10 buildings had collapsed.

She called on the private sector to support rescue operations by providing the heavy machinery needed for search-and-rescue efforts.

Rodriguez said she had spoken with numerous heads of state and the coordinator of the United Nations system in Venezuela, adding that specialized rescue teams certified by the United Nations were already en route to the country to assist rescue operations.

She also announced plans to launch special credit lines through both public and private banks for businesses and factories affected by the disaster, as well as special assistance through the government's Patria social welfare system for workers who had lost their jobs.

Rodriguez urged Venezuelans to remain calm. "Those whose homes have not suffered structural damage should remain indoors to help facilitate rescue operations for those who are still trapped," she said.

According to the US Geological Survey, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck near Montalban, Venezuela, at around 2200 GMT on June 24. Less than a minute later, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake hit the same area. Both earthquakes occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers. The magnitude of the first earthquake was later revised to 7.2.