Venezuela's official death toll from twin earthquakes rose to 2,954 Saturday, officials reported, as international rescue teams concluded search operations for survivors. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes struck June 24, devastating coastal La Guaira north of Caracas where residential complexes collapsed. Tens of thousands remain missing.

Rescue efforts entered their final phase after the critical 72-hour window for finding survivors passed. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez honored international teams, including U.S. squads, with medals during a ceremony. The Los Angeles County fire department wrapped up operations after finding no signs of life, while teams from Florida and Virginia prepared to depart.

Many Venezuelans criticize their government's slow initial response, saying families dug for survivors before international aid arrived. Rodriguez defended the deployment of thousands of troops and officials. In La Guaira, workers demolished collapsed buildings while families recovered bodies for funerals. Over 16,000 people lost their homes and hospitals face disease outbreak risks.

The earthquake exposed Venezuela's fragile infrastructure and governance challenges as families like Víctor Colivert cling to recovered bodies, preventing authorities from moving them for autopsy. With rescue operations ending, the human cost mounts.