Three days after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, rescue operations continue across the country as workers race to pull residents from the debris. The death toll from the disaster has now climbed to 1,430, with more than 51,000 people still reported missing, according to a report by Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera on Saturday (June 27).

The country was rattled on Wednesday by two massive earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, causing widespread devastation in the coastal region of La Guaira, which has since been declared a disaster zone.

With search and rescue efforts facing disruptions, authorities imposed travel restrictions on access to the affected region starting Friday night. Amidst gaps in the official rescue operations, desperate locals have resorted to digging through the rubble with their bare hands in a frantic bid to find their loved ones. Aid agencies have warned that the critical 72-hour window for finding survivors is rapidly closing.

Government officials stated that entry into the La Guaira area now requires special clearance, though authorities have not specified who will be eligible for these permits.

While locals complain that the deployment of government rescue teams in the worst-hit areas remains inadequate, the administration maintains that it is executing a comprehensive response.

Jorge Rodríguez, President of the National Assembly, said, "At this stage, saving every single life is nothing short of a miracle. We will not hide any aspect of the magnitude of this tragedy."

Venezuela's Interim President, Delcy Rodríguez, stated that the government has mobilized all its resources for rescue operations during this "critical time." She also welcomed international rescue teams and humanitarian aid.

On Saturday, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimated that the direct economic damages from the earthquake could range between $4.7 billion and $8.7 billion. Meanwhile, another 4.8-magnitude tremor was felt in Aragua state on Saturday, though no major damage has been reported from this aftershock.

According to unofficial estimates, thousands of people remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could rise significantly. Many of the missing are currently unreachable due to crippled mobile networks, hampering efforts to gather precise details.

As of Friday afternoon, 3,300 people were reported injured, while authorities confirmed that 243 individuals have been rescued alive. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) noted that up to 67.6 million people, including residents of Caracas, could be affected by the disaster.

In a statement, IOM Director General Amy Pope said, "People are leaving their homes in search of safety, which will lead to a rise in the displaced population. It is absolutely critical to stand by the people of Venezuela and deliver swift assistance during this difficult time."