The death toll from last week's powerful earthquakes in Venezuela has climbed to 1,450. The twin 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes struck the northern state of La Guaira, causing massive destruction. Thousands remain missing.
Rescue teams from the United States, France, and other nations are now on the ground, working alongside local crews to find survivors trapped under collapsed buildings. Over 2,200 international rescue workers have arrived.
"It's been incredibly hard work, but we're going strong," said Jason Mercano, a civilian communicating with family trapped in the rubble.
Despite a diminishing window for survival, rescuers continue to free people. On Sunday, crews pulled a man and his son from the ruins in La Guaira. More than 770 buildings have totally or partially collapsed, and aftershocks continue to pose a risk.
The government faces growing criticism that its response has been inadequate and overshadowed by civilian-led efforts. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez now leads the country following the U.S. removal of former President Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.
The U.N. estimates up to 6.8 million people may be affected. Hospitals, like Domingo Luciani in Caracas, are treating thousands of wounded but relying on public donations to cope with shortages.
The disaster compounds a long-standing political and economic crisis in the nation, with researchers citing U.S. political interference and governmental incompetence as factors complicating the recovery.