The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday has risen to 1,430, with several foreign nationals confirmed among those killed.
Here is what is known so far about the overseas victims:
28 Portuguese nationals or people of Portuguese descent
Portugal’s foreign ministry said 28 Portuguese nationals or people of Portuguese descent were among the victims. It also reported that 85 people remain missing, updating its earlier figures.
Seven Chinese nationals
Authorities in China confirmed that seven Chinese nationals died in the disaster, according to state broadcaster CCTV, citing the Chinese embassy in Caracas.
The embassy also urged Chinese citizens in Venezuela to remain vigilant against aftershocks and other potential secondary disasters.
Nine Spanish nationals
Spain’s foreign ministry said at least nine Spanish citizens were killed, while 131 remain missing. It added that 14 others had been rescued from beneath the rubble.
According to official figures, about 147,000 Spanish nationals were living in Venezuela as of January 1.
Two Brazilian nationals
The foreign ministry of Brazil confirmed that two Brazilian citizens—a man and a woman—lost their lives in the earthquakes.
Brazil said it is providing consular assistance to their families.
One Chilean national
Chile confirmed the death of one Chilean citizen, with the country’s foreign ministry saying it is providing the victim’s family with assistance, guidance and support.
One Italian-Venezuelan
Italy confirmed that a man in his mid-50s, who held both Italian and Venezuelan citizenship and was born in Caracas, died when a building collapsed in the hard-hit state of La Guaira.
Italy estimates that around 170,000 Italian passport holders reside in Venezuela.
One Uruguayan national
Uruguay said one of its citizens, who had lived in Venezuela for many years, died in the disaster.
The country’s foreign affairs ministry added that the man’s wife and eldest daughter were also killed.
As rescue operations continue, authorities expect casualty figures and the number of foreign victims to be updated as more information becomes available.
