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Crucial window for rescuing survivors narrows as Venezuela enters third day after deadly twin quakes
Authorities said 861 foreign volunteers are in Venezuela as the death toll rose to at least 920 and more than 51,000 people were missing.
Venezuelan authorities blocked access to La Guaira on Friday night, citing chaos and traffic that hampered search efforts at the epicenter of the twin earthquakes.
Twin 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck Wednesday, killing at least 920 people and leaving more than 51,000 missing as the critical rescue window closes.
Despite government officials projecting a robust response, citizens digging through rubble with hammers and power tools cited a scarcity of state rescuers, even as 861 international volunteers arrived.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed Friday she spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reaffirming their commitment to send rescue teams and equipment.
International aid agencies warn the critical 72-hour rescue window is closing as survivors face severe shortages of food and water, with thousands remaining incommunicado due to lack of cellphone signals.