Rescue teams from around the world are working around the clock to locate survivors in Venezuela, more than a week after two powerful earthquakes struck the country.
The quakes, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, struck less than a minute apart on June 24, leaving rescuers racing against time to find survivors in the rubble.
In the worst-hit state of La Guaira, search and rescue operations are still in full swing, with rescue teams remaining steadfast at their posts. Many have gone without a single day off as they continue efforts to pull survivors from the debris.
Whenever the instruction "Keep quiet" is issued at the scene, all personnel instantly cease moving and talking. This is a critical moment for rescuers to detect signs of life. They shout, knock, and listen intently for any response that might come from under the rubble.
"We are carefully listening for any signs of life. We produce sounds and then wait for a response. Such searches are conducted at regular intervals," said a rescuer.
The relentless search and rescue operations have taken a heavy physical and emotional toll on rescue workers, but they remain at the scene, hoping to reunite more families with their loved ones.
A Venezuelan firefighter said that his brother tragically lost his life. The search effort was grueling -- it took three days, but in the end, they successfully recovered his body.
"After that, I came here immediately to help the people. Today is my first day. If you know where your family members might be trapped, please register at the relief supply distribution point. They will dispatch a rescue team. Or just tell me directly. We will do everything we can to find them," said the firefighter.
The death toll from the June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 2,595, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said Thursday.
Rodriguez said more than 12,000 people have been injured and search and rescue operations remain underway, with 6,462 people rescued so far. The earthquake also destroyed 189 buildings.
Expressing appreciation to the nations that have dispatched humanitarian aid and rescue personnel, Rodriguez called upon the international community to sustain its support for Venezuela.
She also announced that Venezuela will establish a 200-million-U.S.-dollar reconstruction fund in cooperation with the International Monetary Fund to support post-disaster rebuilding.
Rescue teams race against time to find more Venezuela quake survivors
