Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 235, more than 4,000 injured

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela's Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said the death toll from the June 24 earthquake has risen to 235, with more than 4,000 people injured. He said the 235 victims died either before reaching hospitals or on arrival, and that the injured were receiving medical care, with some in moderate to serious condition requiring surgery. Alvarado identified the coastal city of La Guaira as the hardest-hit area, reporting that dozens of buildings had suffered severe damage. Venezuelan authorities have declared La Guaira a disaster zone and imposed a state of emergency in response to the quake. In the capital Caracas, residents formed long lines at supermarkets and gas stations over concerns about supply disruptions and potential price increases, with shoppers waiting more than 40 minutes at checkout counters. The U.S. Southern Command said it deployed warships, transport aircraft, helicopters and reconnaissance platforms to support search-and-rescue operations, damage assessment, searches for the missing and humanitarian assistance.