Venezuelans took the search for missing loved ones into their own hands Friday in the aftermath of back-to-back earthquakes, saying they have seen few state rescue teams in the hardest-hit areas despite authorities projecting an image of a robust government response.The apparent lack of government help compounded families’ desperation as the pressure to find buried survivors increased with each passing hour.
The South American nation on Friday marked nearly two days since the disaster. Aid agencies consider the first 48 to 72 hours to be a crucial time frame to retrieve people alive, though that period increases if they have access to food and water.
Meanwhile, an broad international aid effort accelerated, with more than two dozen rescue teams from around the globe arriving in Venezuela or due to arrive there soon.
The toll from the devastating 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes that struck late Wednesday climbed to at least 920 dead and 3,360 injured, authorities said.“Each person saved is a miracle,” said Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the country’s National Assembly.
