Early this morning, Ecuadorian and US rescue teams suspended their search for survivors in Macuto, La Guaira province, the area most severely affected by Venezuela's dual earthquakes. The operation concluded after more than 40 hours of work, as they detected no further signs from a mother and her three children trapped beneath the rubble of a 9-story building.

"Too much time has passed; what we might find now are likely only bodies. Unfortunately, the situation is not progressing positively", stated Major Jorge Montanero, head of Ecuador's EQ11 rescue team.

Collapsed buildings in Caraballeda, La Guaira province, Venezuela, pictured on 29/6. AP

Montanero spoke amidst concrete blocks and debris, after rescue workers cut through four concrete slabs to access the location of the four trapped victims.

According to NASA estimates, approximately 59,000 structures were destroyed or damaged by the dual earthquakes, measuring 7,2 and 7,5 magnitude respectively, which occurred on 24/6. The extensive scale of destruction was visible from space.

Survivors and residents from various areas reported that professional rescue teams could not access all collapsed buildings. Many relatives and neighbors independently dug through and cleared rubble to locate survivors or retrieve bodies.

Residents resting amidst rubble while searching for loved ones under a collapsed building in La Guaira province on 29/6. AP

The Venezuelan government reported at least 1,750 fatalities and thousands injured due to the earthquakes. Approximately 16,000 people also lost their homes.

"We are certainly facing a higher casualty count than what has been announced. I can provide an estimate. We have coordinated with local authorities and are preparing approximately 10,000 body bags", stated Gianluca Rampolla, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Venezuela, on 29/6.

By Huyen Le (According to Reuters)