Venezuela quake death toll rises to 1,430: Top lawmaker

The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela rose to 1,430 on Saturday, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said.

In a televised address, Rodriguez said that 3,238 people were injured and 3,142 families were displaced, adding that the rescue operations are continuing across earthquake-affected areas of Venezuela

He said more than 30,000 personnel have been deployed to support rescue and relief efforts, including members of the military, police officers, doctors, paramedics, and psychologists working to assist affected communities.

According to the US Geological Survey, two earthquakes measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on Wednesday, 39 seconds apart.

The magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck 23 kilometers (14.3 miles) southeast of Yumare in Yaracuy state, while the magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurred 23.9 kilometers (14.9 miles) northeast of San Felipe, also in Yaracuy state, the US Geological Survey said.

Rodriguez also said that there have been 430 aftershocks since the twin earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday.

He noted that the country has so far received support from 21 international aid delegations, bringing together more than 2,000 relief workers.

The international assistance also includes 96 search-and-rescue dogs, 40 cargo vehicles, 32 transport vehicles, 103.7 metric tons of rescue equipment, and 3 metric tons of medical supplies, he said.