Venezuela quake death toll nears 1,500 as rescuers race against time

The death toll from Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes climbed to nearly 1,500 on Monday as rescue workers from around the world continued searching through collapsed buildings for survivors, although hopes of finding more people alive are fading.

According to Reuters, at least 1,450 people have been confirmed dead, more than 3,150 have been injured, while nearly 50,000 people remain unaccounted for after the powerful earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday evening.

The coastal state of La Guaira, north of Caracas, suffered the worst destruction, with hundreds of buildings reduced to rubble.

Rescue efforts continued into the fifth day with more than 2,600 international rescuers, including search-and-rescue specialists, engineers and canine teams, joining Venezuelan emergency personnel.

Reuters reported that 33 people have been pulled alive from the rubble over the weekend, including several children. On Sunday, rescuers also freed a father and his son after they spent four days trapped beneath a collapsed building in La Guaira, one of the few successful rescues beyond the critical 72-hour survival window.

CNN reported that emergency crews continue to battle blocked roads, unstable buildings and repeated aftershocks, slowing rescue operations and complicating efforts to reach isolated communities.

Authorities have warned residents to remain cautious as damaged structures remain vulnerable to collapse.

The Venezuelan government said around 12,700 people have been displaced, while electricity has been restored to roughly 75% of La Guaira.

Schools remain closed in the worst-affected areas, and officials have launched structural safety inspections before allowing residents to return to damaged neighbourhoods, Reuters said.

International assistance has continued to arrive from across Latin America, Europe and the United States, bringing heavy rescue equipment, medical supplies and field hospitals.

Relief agencies, however, warned that shortages of machinery and damaged infrastructure continue to hamper search operations.

Yahoo News, citing Reuters, reported growing frustration among survivors over delays in aid distribution and the slow pace of rescue work as thousands of families continue searching for missing relatives.

Many residents have been sleeping outdoors amid fears of further aftershocks and the collapse of weakened buildings.

The US Geological Survey has estimated that the eventual death toll could exceed 10,000, potentially making the disaster one of the deadliest earthquakes in Latin America's recent history.

Rescue teams say they will continue searching despite diminishing chances of finding additional survivors.