Venezuela earthquake [AFP=Yonhap News]

The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Venezuela on the 24th (local time) has risen to at least 589.

According to the Associated Press, Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced on the 26th that the current count stands at 589 deaths and 2,980 injuries.

Previously, Venezuelan Health Minister Carlos Alvarado had stated the day before that the death toll was 235; however, the number of confirmed fatalities surged significantly overnight.

In a press conference that day, interim President Rodríguez stated, "We will rescue those who are trapped," adding, "We are working tirelessly on this task."

Interim President Rodríguez announced that the government has decided to deploy military personnel to La Guaira state, where earthquake damage is concentrated.

La Guaira, a coastal region located north of the capital, Caracas, suffered the most severe damage, with dozens of high-rise buildings collapsing due to the earthquake.

Immediately following the earthquake, the Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency and has been continuing rescue operations. It is reported that in some areas, volunteers are digging through debris without rescue equipment as the arrival of aid has been delayed.

There are growing concerns that the death toll may rise further as powerful consecutive earthquakes, reaching a maximum magnitude of 7.5, struck areas near the capital, Caracas, causing a series of building collapses and infrastructure damage.