Rescuers are racing against time three days after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, with the death toll rising to 1,430.
Meanwhile, the 72-hour deadline to find survivors is coming to an end, but more than 51,000 people are still missing.
The twin earthquakes that struck on Wednesday measured 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, with the coastal area of La Guaira being the worst affected.
With a lack of government rescue teams, ordinary Venezuelans in the worst-hit areas are desperately searching for relatives through rubble with their bare hands, as aid agencies warn that a crucial 72-hour deadline for rescue efforts is quickly running out.
While the government has portrayed a robust rescue operation, locals have complained that very few government rescue teams have been seen in the most affected areas.
“Each person rescued is a miracle. We will not hide the horror of this tragedy,” said National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez.
Government forces in La Guaira distributed food and water to survivors. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said her government was doing everything it could to save lives at this critical moment. She welcomed international rescue teams and humanitarian aid.
‘People are still afraid to return to their homes’
The death toll is expected to rise. Thousands of people have reported missing relatives in digital databases. However, this number may include many who cannot be contacted due to phone network outages, and some data may be counted twice.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that about 6.76 million people could be affected, including two million in Caracas alone.
“It is now clear that displacement will increase as people move in search of safety. It is now imperative to deliver relief assistance and stand with the Venezuelan people in the face of life-threatening risks,” IOM Director-General Amy Pope said in a statement.
Lois Pace, regional director of the International Red Cross, said people are very afraid to return to their homes.