The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela has continued to rise as rescue teams battle time, unstable structures and recurring aftershocks in a desperate search for survivors.

According to the latest official figures, at least 1,719 people have been killed, more than 5,000 injured, while thousands remain displaced after the powerful earthquakes hit on June 24, with the coastal state of La Guaira bearing the brunt of the destruction.

Reuters reported the updated casualty figures, while NBC News earlier cited authorities as saying over 1,400 people had died and thousands were still missing. 

Emergency crews, supported by international rescue teams, continue combing through collapsed homes, apartment blocks and public buildings in the hope of finding more survivors.

The search has yielded several dramatic rescues, including people pulled alive from the rubble more than four days after the disaster, offering rare moments of hope amid the devastation. 

The United Nations said humanitarian agencies are scaling up relief efforts, providing emergency shelter, food, clean water and medical assistance to affected communities.

The UN warned that access to some of the hardest-hit areas remains difficult because of damaged roads, disrupted communications and power outages. The organization also expressed concern over the growing humanitarian needs as thousands of families have lost their homes. 

Authorities have established temporary shelters across affected regions while hospitals continue treating thousands of injured residents. Medical facilities in several areas remain overwhelmed, prompting additional international assistance.

More than 30 countries have sent rescue personnel, specialist search dogs, medical teams and emergency supplies to assist Venezuelan authorities.

Heavy machinery has also been deployed to clear debris, although rescuers say unstable buildings and persistent aftershocks continue to hamper operations. 

The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck just seconds apart off Venezuela's northern coast, making them among the country's deadliest natural disasters in more than a century.

The tremors were felt across much of northern Venezuela, including the capital, Caracas, causing widespread structural damage and triggering panic among residents. 

As rescue efforts enter a critical phase, authorities have urged residents to remain alert for further aftershocks while emergency teams continue searching collapsed buildings for those still believed to be trapped beneath the debris.