The death toll has now risen to at least 235 in two powerful earthquakes that hit Venezuela, the country's health ministry said on Thursday evening, adding that more than 4,300 people were injured.

Two Chinese nationals had been confirmed dead in Venezuela's earthquakes as of 4 p.m. on Thursday, according to the Chinese Embassy in Venezuela.

The Venezuelan government declared a nationwide state of emergency on Wednesday night as the country raced against time to rescue those trapped under the rubble.

The United Nations is mobilizing assistance and working closely with the government and aid partners in response to the Venezuela earthquake emergency, UN humanitarians said on Thursday.