World News
Venezuela death toll reaches 1,430
Key Points
More than three days after Venezuela was struck by its most powerful earthquake in over a century, hopes of finding survivors are fading. Experts say the first 72 hours are critical for rescues, after which the operation increasingly becomes one of recovering bodies. The confirmed death toll has climbed to 1,430 and continues to rise by the hundreds, while tens of thousands of people remain missing.
More than three days after Venezuela was struck by its most powerful earthquake in over a century, hopes of finding survivors are fading. Experts say the first 72 hours are critical for rescues, after which the operation increasingly becomes one of recovering bodies. The confirmed death toll has climbed to 1,430 and continues to rise by the hundreds, while tens of thousands of people remain missing. The UN's migration agency estimates that nearly seven million people were affected by Wednesday's twin earthquakes and are in need of shelter, clean water and other essential aid. Yinka Oyetade reports.