The death toll from Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes has climbed to 1,450, as rescue teams race against time to find survivors beneath collapsed buildings in the hardest-hit coastal state of La Guaira.

Five days after the 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude quakes struck within seconds of each other, emergency crews say the chances of finding people alive are diminishing. 

Even so, dramatic rescues have continued to offer moments of hope, including the recovery of a father and son after four days trapped under rubble and, earlier, a mother and her nine-month-old baby.

Authorities say more than 3,100 people have been injured and nearly 13,000 displaced, while tens of thousands remain unaccounted for. 

The United Nations (UN) estimates that around 50,000 people are missing.

Hundreds of aftershocks have complicated rescue operations, which now include teams from more than two dozen countries.

Rescue workers insist they will continue searching for survivors despite the passing of the critical 72-hour window, arguing that recent rescues demonstrate that miracles remain possible even as the operation increasingly shifts toward recovery.

Relief efforts

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced the creation of temporary camps for families who lost their homes and a commission to assess damaged infrastructure before reconstruction begins. 

Schools in the affected areas will remain closed, with some serving as emergency shelters. 

The European Union has approved an initial €5 million (US$5,7 million) emergency package, while countries including the United States, France, Spain, Colombia and Mexico have deployed search-and-rescue teams, medical personnel and humanitarian aid.

Despite the international response, frustration is growing among residents over what they describe as an inadequate state relief effort. 

Survivors have complained of shortages of food, water and heavy rescue equipment, while volunteers have continued digging through rubble by hand in some neighborhoods.

Argentine footballer

The disaster has also resonated in Argentina, where local footballer Lucas Trejo, who plays for Club Sport Marítimo de La Guaira, revealed that his wife and children were killed in the earthquakes while he was away from home.

The Foreign Ministry confirmed a total of six Argentines have died and three are missing.

The Argentine Embassy said it has been monitoring nationals in the affected areas as rescue efforts continue.