Venezuela death toll triples in a day as series of powerful quakes rocks Caracas region

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck Venezuela has climbed to at least 589, sharply higher than the previous day's count and raising fears of further casualties.

Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez said the quake, which hit June 24 (local time), has killed 589 people and injured 2,980 others, according to the Associated Press.

The figures represent a sharp increase from the 188 deaths and 1,520 injuries reported the day before. The toll could rise further, as rescue operations are ongoing and more people may still be trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

Speaking at a news conference, Rodriguez vowed to press on with the effort. "We will rescue those who are trapped," she said. "We are working on this without rest."

The disaster unfolded as a series of powerful tremors — reaching up to magnitude 7.5 — struck areas near the capital, Caracas, in quick succession. Widespread building collapses and damage to roads and power infrastructure are expected to hamper rescue and recovery efforts.

Local authorities have deployed rescue personnel to the hardest-hit areas, but search operations have been slow due to the risk of aftershocks and disruptions to communications and electricity. With the critical window for finding survivors narrowing, crews are racing to reach those still buried in the rubble.