June 26 (UPI) -- 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.