DEATH TOLL FROM VENEZUELA EARTHQUAKES EXCEEDS 1,400

CARACAS, JUNE 27 /SRNA–Reuters/ – The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 1,430, Parliament Speaker Jorge Rodríguez said.

Rodríguez said that 3,200 people had been injured, while 3,100 had been left homeless.

The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, struck Venezuela on Thursday less than one minute apart.

The capital, Caracas, and its surrounding area were the hardest hit.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and urged residents to evacuate damaged buildings because of the risk of aftershocks.