Massive search and rescue operations continued across northern Venezuela on Friday as emergency crews, volunteers, and international rescue teams raced against time to find survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings following the country's deadliest earthquake disaster in more than a century.

Officials said at least 920 people have been killed and more than 3,360 injured after twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck the country's northern coast on Wednesday evening. Authorities warned that the death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue, with tens of thousands of people still reported missing or unaccounted for.

The two powerful earthquakes struck less than a minute apart west of Caracas, sending violent tremors across much of Venezuela and neighboring countries. Entire neighborhoods in the capital and the coastal state of La Guaira suffered extensive damage, with hundreds of buildings either collapsing or left structurally unsafe.

Rescuers say the chances of finding survivors diminish with each passing hour, making the first days after the disaster critical.

"The first few hours were the most important," said volunteer Daniela Guerra, who joined civilian rescue efforts in Caracas.

"There were several moments when we would ask everyone to be silent and shout, 'Is anyone alive?'"

Television footage showed emergency workers pulling injured residents and even animals from the ruins of collapsed apartment buildings. Many survivors emerged covered in dust and blood as anxious relatives searched desperately for missing family members.

Among those rescued was Graciela Mora, who told local media that she survived by clinging to a doorframe as her apartment building collapsed around her.

"My building came down so quickly I didn't even have time to cry," she said from a hospital stretcher, adding that her arm was broken while trying to protect herself.

Residents said rescue operations have been hampered by shortages of heavy machinery, protective equipment, and emergency supplies.

According to volunteers, many of the excavators and construction machines being used belong to private citizens rather than emergency agencies. Some rescuers initially dug through debris with their bare hands because gloves and specialized equipment were unavailable.

In one dramatic rescue in the coastal city of La Guaira, volunteers reportedly heard a baby crying beneath the rubble of a collapsed building. Without access to heavy equipment, they formed a human chain and cleared debris by hand before reaching the infant, who appeared to have survived without serious injuries.

As rescue efforts entered a critical phase, international assistance began arriving in Venezuela.

Search-and-rescue teams from several countries, including Mexico, Spain, Colombia, El Salvador, Switzerland and the United States, have deployed personnel equipped with search dogs, drones, thermal imaging devices and specialized rescue equipment to assist local authorities. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have also begun coordinating emergency relief operations, while several governments pledged financial and logistical support.

Officials have also established temporary shelters and field hospitals for thousands displaced by the disaster, while authorities urged residents to avoid traveling to the hardest-hit areas to prevent congestion that could delay rescue operations. More than 3,000 people have already been forced from their homes.

Strong aftershocks have continued to rattle affected regions, raising fears of additional building collapses and complicating rescue efforts.

Emergency officials have warned residents to stay away from damaged structures until engineers complete safety assessments.

The twin earthquakes are among the strongest ever recorded in Venezuela and have placed enormous strain on a country already grappling with economic hardship and fragile infrastructure. Humanitarian agencies estimate that millions of people may be affected by the disaster, while rescue teams continue searching for signs of life beneath the rubble. (ILKHA)