Venezuelans took the search for missing loved ones into their own hands after back-to-back earthquakes struck the country, resulting in at least 920 dead and over 51,000 missing. The lack of government rescuers has compounded families’ desperation as they dig through rubble to find buried survivors.

International Aid Efforts

An international aid effort is underway, with dozens of rescue teams from around the globe arriving in Venezuela. The U.N. has reported that 1,000 emergency responders in 25 search-and-rescue teams are on their way to the country.

Citizens in the northern state of La Guaira, just north of the capital Caracas, have been searching for relatives and whatever remained of their lives in the ruins of buildings. The South American nation has been facing economic disarray for over a decade, and many people reject the legitimacy of the current government.

The disaster poses a huge challenge for the government, which has been working to mount a full response. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has welcomed the arrival of rescuers and humanitarian aid from around the world, saying that her government is working tirelessly to help those affected.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.