The death toll from Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes has risen to 2,954, according to official figures released on Saturday.

Fatalities increased by more than 300 from Friday, with over 16,000 injured following the June 24 disaster that toppled scores of buildings and left thousands still missing.

One of Latin America’s worst earthquake disasters has left more than 16,000 homeless and collapsed 190 buildings, mostly in the coastal La Guaira area north of the capital Caracas.

Ten days after the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude double shocks, rescue teams are starting to wrap up searches for survivors while families try to recover the bodies of loved ones from the rubble.

The critical window for rescues in disasters like earthquakes usually ends after 72 hours, though a few people have miraculously been found alive this week.

AFP