APTOPIX Venezuela Earthquake

Tensions are high in Venezuela as the death toll rises to 1,430 after two powerful earthquakes struck three days ago. Families have reported that 68,900 people are missing. Many civilians are leading search efforts, frustrated by what they see as an inadequate government response. International rescue teams continue to join the effort, with 17 flights bringing over 1,600 rescue workers by Saturday. The disaster is a major challenge for acting President Delcy Rodríguez. The capital's main airport is damaged, complicating aid delivery.

Local and international rescue teams raced against the clock to pull survivors from the rubble in Venezuela four days after two powerful earthquakes shook the northern state of La Guaira. The government reported 1,450 dead from the quakes Sunday afternoon as it faced growing criticism from Venezuelans that its response was inadequate and overshadowed by civilian-led search-and-rescue efforts. Thousands have been reported missing. Even as the likelihood of finding people alive diminished with each passing hour, rescuers continued to free survivors from mountains of debris, offering anguished families reason to keep hopes alive.