Venezuela earthquakes death toll rises to 589, other nations rush to help

International search and rescue teams from at least 17 countries are being scrambled to Venezuela to help look for survivors of Wednesday’s devastating twin earthquakes, the United Nations said on Friday.

The death toll has risen to 589, with 2,980 injured, acting President Delcy Rodríguez said.

The number of casualties is expected to climb with thousands of people reported missing.

She made the announcement surrounded by government and military officials as she welcomed the arrival of rescue crews.

“We are going to rescue the people who are trapped,” she said. “We are working tirelessly on this task.”