Death Toll From Venezuela's Earthquakes Rises To At Least 164

MEXICO CITY, June 25 (dpa) -- The death toll from the two severe earthquakes that hit Venezuela has climbed to at least 164, with at least another 971 injured, acting President Delcy Rodríguez told the VTV broadcaster on Thursday.

Venezuela was hit by two earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 in quick succession on Wednesday. Both occurred around 170 kilometres west of the capital Caracas.

According to data from the US Geological Survey (USGS), the 7.5-magnitude earthquake was the strongest to hit the South American country since 1900.

Rescue operations are continuing, and there are fears of a much higher death toll. A model calculation by the USGS showed a very high likelihood of more than 1,000 deaths.

NNN-dpa