CARACAS — Rescue teams detected signs of life beneath rubble in Venezuela on Thursday, one week after twin powerful earthquakes struck the country, as the death toll climbed toward 2,300.
Search and rescue operations continued in hard-hit areas including La Guaira state, where collapsed buildings trapped victims in the aftermath of the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes that struck seconds apart on June 24 near Veroes in Yaracuy state.
Officials reported a man waving from debris in one site, prompting intensified efforts by domestic and international teams, according to local media and rescue accounts. Details on the individual's condition remained unconfirmed as operations proceeded.
Venezuelan authorities said the confirmed death toll stood at least 2,295 as of Wednesday, with thousands more injured and tens of thousands still missing or unaccounted for. NASA estimates indicated around 59,000 buildings damaged or destroyed.
Foreign rescue teams, including from Jordan and others, have pulled survivors from rubble in recent days, including cases after several days of entrapment. However, hopes of finding more alive have faded amid the scale of destruction and challenges including fuel shortages and aftershocks.
The government declared a week of mourning. Humanitarian needs remain acute, with aid workers warning of potential health crises in the affected regions.
Rescue and recovery efforts were ongoing late Thursday, officials said, with no immediate word on additional extractions. The situation continues to develop.
