The Venezuelan government has confirmed that the death toll from the twin earthquakes that hit the country has risen to 589, as local and international rescue efforts continue to find survivors.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed the latest official death toll during a televised meeting with military and civilian officials, saying that the death toll has exceeded the previous figure of 235 as rescue efforts continue.

“Regrettably, we now have 589 people who have died,” Ms Rodriguez said.

The twin tremor disaster that hit the country on Wednesday has left thousands critically injured, with hospitals being overwhelmed with victims as healthcare centres face shortages of medical supplies, as humanitarian support continues to arrive in the country.

The first earthquake was measured at a magnitude of 7.2, while the second and stronger tremor reached a magnitude of 7.5, making it one of the strongest earthquakes recorded in the country’s history. 

La Guaira and Caracas have been the worst-hit cities, with the government declaring a state of emergency. 

Hundreds of buildings and properties have been destroyed, leaving many survivors trapped under the rubble of collapsed structures. 

The earthquakes have displaced more than 70,000 families, forcing them to seek alternative shelter in tents.

International support and solidarity have sworn in to assist rescue efforts, with countries including Mexico, Colombia, Canada, the U.S., Iran, El Salvador and Turkiye sending humanitarian support and relief materials to affected communities in Venezuela.