Venezuela earthquake death toll hits 2,954, thousands still missing as rescue efforts near end

The death toll from Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes has increased to 2,954, according to the latest official figures.

More than 16,000 people were injured after the powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck on June 24.

The disaster destroyed about 190 buildings, with the worst damage recorded in the coastal city of La Guaira.

Thousands of residents have also been left homeless and are staying in temporary shelters or open spaces.

Rescue teams are gradually ending search operations as hopes of finding more survivors continue to fade.

However, emergency workers say a few people have still been rescued alive several days after the disaster.

Authorities have not confirmed the number of missing people, but the United Nations estimates that up to 50,000 people remain unaccounted for.

Many families are still waiting for help to recover the bodies of relatives trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

Tension has grown at some rescue sites as desperate relatives continue to demand access to the rubble.

The twin earthquakes rank among the deadliest natural disasters in Latin America in recent years.