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The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Venezuela late Wednesday has climbed to 235, while more than 4,300 injured people have received medical care, Venezuelan Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said Friday.

In remarks broadcast by state television and reported by international news agencies, Alvarado said 235 people died shortly after being taken to hospitals following the disaster. He added that La Guaira state remains the worst affected, with the highest number of fatalities and injuries.

The minister said authorities activated the national emergency response system immediately after the quake, sending more than 5,000 medical workers, including over 1,200 doctors, to the affected areas. Private hospitals have also joined the relief and medical response efforts.

Alvarado confirmed that field hospitals run by the armed forces, the private sector, and the Venezuelan Red Cross have been set up in La Guaira to expand treatment capacity for the injured.

Venezuela was hit by two strong earthquakes late Wednesday night. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the first measured magnitude 7.2, followed by a second quake of magnitude 7.5.

//Petra// MF