Venezuelan Health Minister Carlos Alvarado released the figures on the evening of 25/6, updating information related to the double earthquake that struck the day before. Venezuela is racing against time to search for victims still trapped under collapsed buildings.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez stated that the US and several European countries are deploying search and rescue teams to the nation. United Nations (UN) certified experts are also en route to the South American country to assist in finding victims.

A section of the international airport near Caracas collapsed due to the double earthquake on 24/6. *Video: CNN, BBC*

The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) confirmed on 25/6 that its forces would support search and rescue teams in Venezuela. SOUTHCOM will deploy the amphibious transport dock ship USS Fort Lauderdale, the littoral combat ship USS Billings, as well as C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.

The US Department of State also announced an aid package that will include 50 million USD for aid groups operating in Venezuela, along with a 100 million USD contribution to the UN humanitarian fund for the nation.

Police carry a body found in the rubble in La Guaira, Venezuela, on 25/6. *AP*

A magnitude 7,2 earthquake struck about 160 km west of Venezuela's capital, Caracas, on the evening of 24/6, with its epicenter at a depth of 22 km. Less than a minute later, a second earthquake, magnitude 7,5, occurred a few kilometers away with its epicenter at a depth of 10 km. This is the strongest earthquake in Venezuela since 1900.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) forecast model indicates the death toll could reach thousands, with a very high probability of exceeding 10,000.

Venezuela is prone to earthquakes. The strongest earthquakes recorded recently in the nation occurred in the northeast region in 1997 and the capital Caracas in 1967, killing 73 and 236 people, respectively.

By Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Reuters)