By Darryl Coote UPI | Posted by TOE

The death toll from a pair of strong earthquakes that struck Venezuela has continued to rise as the United States and other nations rushed rescue teams and emergency aid to the South American nation.

As of 7 p.m. local time Thursday, at least 235 people were dead and more than 4,300 were injured, Venezuelan Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said on state broadcaster VTV, Venezuelan outlet Globovision reported.

However, many more are feared dead as rescuers continue to scour the rubble of destroyed buildings for survivors.

Some 250 buildings were reportedly damaged in northern Venezuela by the pair of earthquakes that struck the nation on Wednesday evening, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, who earlier said some 200 people were trapped under rubble and more than 150 individuals were missing.

“The main mission we all have at this hour is to be united,” he said Thursday in a statement.

“It is to set aside any form of diatribe, any form of situation, position or opinion that divides us, and become a single force, a single voice, a single person, a sea of arms that helps and cares for the people who have directly suffered the hardships of this tragedy.”

International search-and-rescue efforts have been arranged to reinforce Venezuela’s emergency operations, acting President Delcy Rodriguez said, confirming logistical and institutional support has been offered by several heads of state as well as the United Nations.

“Specialized rescuers certified by the U.N. system are already being sent and are on their way to our country to support these efforts,” she said in a statement.

U.S. Southern Command said it was “surging” military assets to Venezuela, including thee USS Fort Lauderdale and the USS Billings.

In a statement early Friday, SOUTHCOM said its leadership had arrived in Caracas to coordinate support.

El Salvador also sent 188 rescuers who have arrived in Venezuela to join search efforts, according to Rodriguez.

The first earthquake struck shortly after 6 p.m. Wednesday as a magnitude 7.2 temblor, followed 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 quake, both near the capital, causing buildings to collapse throughout the region.

The Trump administration said the State Department is mobilizing $150 million in assistance to Venezuela through partner organizations on the ground.