Death toll in Venezuelan earthquake over 200 as rescuers continue to sift through rubble

Venezuelan officials say that approximately 235 people are confirmed dead following a pair of earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday. At least 4,300 people were injured.

Thousands of people have been reported missing, and the number of dead is expected to rise, the Associated Press reported. 

The U.S. Treasury on Thursday waived some sanctions until Oct. 23 to allow transactions related to relief efforts in Venezuela that would have otherwise been illegal. President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered federal agencies to prepare to assist the country. 

The earthquakes, which registered 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, were among the strongest the country has experienced in over a century. Buildings as far away as Brazil were evacuated.