Neighbors dig through Venezuela rubble to search for loved ones as death toll climbs

Neighbors in cities across northern Venezuela dug through rubble with their bare hands, searching for loved ones after back-to-back earthquakes killed at least 589 people and left thousands injured. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the grim toll early Friday, stating that the state of La Guaira was the hardest hit by the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors that struck Wednesday evening.

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We are going to rescue the people who are trapped. We are working tirelessly on this task.

Thousands are feared dead, with thousands more reported missing as frantic rescue efforts continue. Rodríguez welcomed international rescue crews, vowing to "rescue the people who are trapped" and stating, "We are working tirelessly on this task." She added that dozens of people had been rescued, bringing joy to their families.

Venezuelan state TV broadcast dramatic images of rescues, including a woman pulled alive from beneath a cement slab. However, few government search teams were initially seen outside the capital, Caracas. The International Organization for Migration estimates up to 6.76 million people in Venezuela could be affected.

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It brings us joy that they can embrace their families and loved ones.

In downtown Caracas, hundreds spent the night in parks and open spaces. Residents expressed frustration over the lack of heavy machinery, with many saying they were the ones digging through crumpled buildings. One mother desperately sought news of her missing 8-year-old son, while another sobbed as the bodies of her two young children were carried away.

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I want to know where my child is, if he's trapped or in a shelter.