DEATH TOLL RISE TO 235

CARACAS, JUNE 26 /SRNA - RIA Novosti/ - The death toll from the earthquake in Venezuela has risen to 235, Venezuelan Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said.

He said more than 4,300 injured people had sought medical attention, with most suffering minor injuries, but many requiring surgery.

Alvarado said the situation remained most critical in the state of La Guaira, where the highest number of deaths and injuries were recorded.

Earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale struck Venezuela less than a minute apart on the night between Wednesday and Thursday, and authorities declared a state of emergency.

The President of the National Assembly Jorge Rodriguez said yesterday that at least 188 people had died.