The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 2,954, according to local authorities. More than 16,500 people have been injured.

Officials also confirmed that over 16,000 people lost their homes as a result of the widespread destruction caused by the disaster, while search and rescue operations continue across affected areas.

The twin earthquakes struck on June 24, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, followed by 942 aftershocks that further worsened the damage and complicated rescue efforts.

The quakes led to the collapse of around 190 buildings, while approximately 850 others sustained damage, leaving widespread devastation in several regions.

Despite the declining chances of finding survivors as time passes, emergency teams are still searching through rubble for missing people. In a rare case that brought hope to rescuers, a man was pulled alive from under the debris days after the disaster.

Experts note that the first 72 hours after a major earthquake are critical for survival, as the likelihood of finding people alive drops sharply afterward.