The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela this week has climbed to 920, with more than 50,000 people reported missing. As search-and-rescue operations continue across the worst-hit regions, several countries have confirmed that their nationals are among those killed or remain missing in the disaster, according to AFP.
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The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck northern Venezuela within a minute of each other on Wednesday evening, flattening residential buildings in La Guaira and parts of Caracas. Here are the foreign fatalities confirmed by their respective governments so far.
Portugal
Portugal's foreign ministry reported that 15 people of Portuguese nationality or descent have been confirmed dead. The ministry also said the number of missing had risen to 56.
China
China has confirmed seven of its nationals were killed. State broadcaster CCTV, citing incomplete figures from the Chinese embassy in Caracas, reported the fatalities on Saturday. The embassy, in a statement posted on WeChat, urged Chinese citizens in Venezuela to take precautions against aftershocks and other 'secondary disasters'.
Spain
Spain has confirmed five citizens died in the earthquakes, while 119 remain missing, AFP reported. In its latest update, Spanish authorities said, "Fourteen have been located under the rubble." Spain has also announced one million euros in humanitarian assistance. Official figures show around 1,47,000 Spanish nationals were living in Venezuela as of January 1.
Brazil
Brazil's foreign ministry said two Brazilian nationals, a man and a woman, were killed in the disaster. The ministry said it was providing consular assistance to their families.
Italy
Italy's foreign ministry has confirmed the death of one Italian-Venezuelan dual national, a man in his mid-50s from Caracas who was killed when a building collapsed in La Guaira, the region worst affected by the earthquakes. Italy estimates around 1,70,000 Italian passport holders live in Venezuela.
With rescue operations continuing and tens of thousands still unaccounted for, authorities expect the death toll to rise further.
