Venezuela quake death toll rises to 3,000

Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes have claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people, according to official figures released Saturday, as international rescue teams start to conclude their search for survivors. The death toll rose by over 300 from Friday to 2,954 following the June 24 disaster, which left thousands homeless and seeking shelter.

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We’re still working, still searching for bodies. We’re still going. It hasn’t been easy.

The coastal La Guaira area, north of the capital Caracas, suffered the most severe impact, with many residential complexes flattened. Ten days after the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes, rescue efforts are winding down, though families continue their desperate search for loved ones amidst the rubble. The critical window for earthquake rescues typically closes after 72 hours, although a few survivors have been found this week.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez held a ceremony to honor international teams, including their dogs, acknowledging the "profound grief gripping our people." Rescue operations by teams from the U.S. and South America are concluding, with some, like the Los Angeles County fire department team, reporting no signs of life in their latest searches.

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We found two bodies that have already been released to their families.

Many Venezuelans have voiced anger over the government's perceived slow response, recounting instances where families dug out victims themselves before external aid arrived. Rodriguez has defended the government's actions, citing the dispatch of thousands of troops and officials. In La Guaira, heavy machinery is being used to demolish collapsed structures, while families continue to search for bodies for funerals. Over 16,000 residents have lost their homes, and hospitals are overwhelmed, raising fears of disease outbreaks.

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Venezuela is experiencing “a profound grief gripping our people, where families still hold out hope of finding loved ones alive, people who have lost everything,”