Strong earthquake in Venezuela [AP=Yonhap News]

The death toll from the strong earthquake that struck Venezuela on the 24th (local time) has risen to at least 188.

Jorge Rodríguez, President of the National Assembly of Venezuela, announced in a televised briefing on the 25th that the number of deaths from the earthquake has been tallied at 188, with 1,520 people injured.

He added that 200 people remain trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings as rescue operations continue, and that there are 157 people missing. The number of households displaced by the earthquake has reached 2,927.

Massive material damage has also been confirmed. According to President Rodríguez, at least 250 buildings were destroyed. Damage to social infrastructure, including hospitals, was particularly severe. He stated that 8 hospitals, 20 shopping centers, and 46 public infrastructure facilities were damaged.

"We are conducting rescue operations amid the debris of collapsed buildings and are racing against time to save those trapped inside," Rodríguez emphasized.

Furthermore, President Rodríguez stated that Interim President Delcy Rodríguez visited the coastal areas hardest hit by the earthquake earlier today.

"The Interim President is currently staying in La Guaira State, personally overseeing the recovery efforts," Rodríguez said.

La Guaira State, home to Venezuela's main international airport and major ports, is known to have suffered the most severe damage, with over 40 high-rise buildings collapsing due to the series of earthquakes.

Earthquake victims [Reuters=Yonhap News]