Venezuela earthquakes leave 188 dead, 1,520 injured: lawmaker

CARACAS, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday has risen to 188, with 1,520 injured, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said Thursday.

Speaking on Venezuelan state television, Rodriguez said that the country is racing against time to save the injured and the trapped, adding that the figures will be updated in the coming hours. About 200 people were trapped under rubble and 157 others remained missing, he said.

Venezuela had recorded 138 aftershocks as of Thursday noon, said Rodriguez. Because of continuing aftershocks, the Venezuelan government declared several areas, including La Guaira state, disaster zones.

At least 346 buildings were damaged, including eight hospitals, some of which had been evacuated, he said.

Rodriguez said international rescue teams from several countries had arrived in Venezuela to help with relief operations. He also called on the public to donate emergency supplies at collection points across the country.

Rescue workers were still searching for survivors in collapsed buildings, while heavy machinery had begun arriving at disaster sites as rescue operations continued.

Because of continuing aftershocks, many Venezuelans began spending the night in the streets or inside cars early Thursday.