Venezuelans search through rubble as earthquake death toll rises

Massive search and rescue operations are underway in Venezuela on Friday as civilians and emergency workers rushed to find those trapped beneath the rubble more than a day after devastating twin earthquakes killed over 589 people.

Massive search and rescue operations were underway in Venezuela on Friday as civilians and emergency workers rushed to find those trapped beneath the rubble more than a day after devastating twin earthquakes killed at least 589 people and wounded thousands.

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Television footage showed emergency workers rescuing injured people and animals from collapsed buildings. Many were covered in dust and blood as distraught relatives cried out for loved ones and others frantically searched for survivors.

The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck west of the capital, Caracas, on Wednesday evening less than a minute apart. They were among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century, sending tremors across much of the country and neighboring areas.