The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday has risen to 589, with more than 50,000 people reported missing, authorities confirmed on Friday.
The twin seismic events have devastated communities across the northern coast, overwhelming local emergency services and prompting a massive international response.
In cities across the region, neighbors and volunteers have joined official rescue teams to dig through rubble in search of survivors.
The scale of the destruction has left thousands injured and displaced, straining already limited resources in the affected areas.
The ongoing search and rescue efforts face significant challenges due to the extent of the structural damage.
International assistance is beginning to arrive to support the recovery.