Venezuela earthquakes live updates: Death toll rises to at least 589, with thousands injured, acting president says

At least 589 people were killed and another 2,980 were injured in the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela late on Wednesday, acting President Delcy Rodriguez said in an update on Friday, according to state media.

According to the EFE news agency, at least 18 foreign nationals were among those who were killed in the quakes. The victims reportedly included nine people from Portugal, three from Spain, two from Brazil, two from China and two from Chile.

The country's health minister told state media late on Thursday that at least 4,300 people were injured. It was not immediately clear why the figure Rodriguez gave on Friday was lower.

-ABC News' Jamie Dorrington, Herminia Fernandez and Kevin Shalvey

The death toll from the pair of powerful earthquakes that rocked Venezuela on Wednesday has risen to at least 235, according to the country's health minister, who spoke on state media.

At least 4,300 people were injured, according to the latest figures provided by the official.

U.S. Southern Command said it is "surging" military forces in the region to assist in earthquake relief efforts.

Two U.S. Navy ships and aircraft in the Caribbean have been assigned to support the U.S. quake relief operations in Venezuela that are being led by the State Department, the command said.

The amphibious ships USS Fort Lauderdale and the littoral combat ships USS Billings are being moved closer to Venezuela to provide assistance.

In addition, transport aircraft and helicopters are being sent.

"These forces will provide specialized mobility services and support to U.S. government personnel, search and rescue teams, and U.S. interagency partners as they assess damage, locate the injured, and deliver critical, life-saving assistance," SOUTHCOM said in a statement.

-ABC News' Luis Martinez

U.S. Southern Command is sending U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. Kevin Jarrard to Venezuela to oversee the Pentagon's earthquake relief efforts.

The Pentagon is supporting efforts by the State Department, which is responsible for U.S. government relief efforts.

-ABC News' Luis Martinez