The death toll from the devastating series of earthquakes that struck Venezuela this week has risen to at least 589, with at least 2,980 injured and thousands more missing as U.S. military leadership has arrived in Caracas to help coordinate relief efforts.
The number of dead is expected to climb Friday following back-to-back magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes that hit northern Venezuela on Wednesday night, roughly 120 miles west of Caracas.
Venezuelan state TV has broadcast dramatic images of rescues, including a woman who was trapped under a cement slab, only a bare foot poking out before crews managed to get her out alive.
The injured were seen being pulled out of the rubble covered in dust and blood, among them children and animals.
U.S. military leaders have arrived in Caracas to oversee Department of War support to Venezuela earthquake relief efforts.
A U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. has arrived in Caracas to oversee the U.S. military's support to the relief efforts, working closely with partners to plan, coordinate, and direct the U.S. military's capabilities to support the rapid, life-saving movement of response personnel, equipment, and humanitarian assistance into affected areas.
Assigned U.S. military forces will utilize fixed and rotor wing aircraft to provide specialized mobility services and assist U.S. Government personnel, search and rescue teams, and partners assessing damage and delivering critical life-saving assistance.
The coastal region of La Guaira, which is located north of Caracas, suffered some of the heaviest damage and casualties, with the country's main airport closed due to damage, complicating aid efforts.
Rescue teams are diverting their efforts to La Guaira, and Venezuelan authorities are appealing to businesses to make heavy construction equipment available for rescue operations.
The interim government has formally requested American assistance, and the U.S. has pledged $150 million in aid and is deploying U.S. Navy warships to assist in life-saving rescue operations.
