BEIJING, June 26 (HS/RIA Novosti) - Two Chinese nationals were killed in the earthquake in Venezuela, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Friday.

As of now, two Chinese citizens have died as a result of the earthquake, Guo told a briefing.

The Chinese embassy in Venezuela is making every effort to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals in the country and will provide any assistance needed, the spokesman added.

The Chinese government and the Red Cross Society of China will provide emergency humanitarian aid to Venezuela, he said, adding that Beijing stands ready to offer additional assistance as the situation develops.

Earlier in the day, the World Health Organization said that the death toll from the earthquakes in Venezuela will continue to rise and is likely to number in the hundreds.

Late Wednesday night, Venezuela was struck by a double 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquake, followed by 30 aftershocks. According to preliminary data shared by Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, at least 164 people were killed and 971 others injured. Many homes were destroyed, hospitals were damaged, and the main airport closed.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar