In Venezuela, the death toll from a powerful earthquake has risen to 1,943, while more than 10,000 people have been injured.
Up to 6.8 million may be affected
The United Nations migration agency has stated that up to 6.8 million people may be affected, with urgent need for shelter, water, sanitation, healthcare and emergency relief supplies.
'855 buildings damaged, 189 collapsed'
As hopes of finding survivors fade, efforts continue to assess the full scale of destruction. The National Assembly president, Jorge Rodríguez has stated that 855 buildings have been damaged, including 189 complete collapses. Initial satellite assessments published by the United States space agency NASA indicate the possibility of wider and more severe destruction.
The United Nations has reported that tens of thousands urgently require food and shelter following the disaster, which has disrupted essential services and left large areas without basic infrastructure.
Widespread food shortages in La Guaira
In the port city of La Guaira, north of Caracas, food shortages have been termed as widespread, with basic services disrupted and communications severely affected.
