Venezuelans took the search for missing loved ones into their own hands Friday in the aftermath of back-to-back earthquakes, citing the scarcity of government rescuers, as the human toll of the disaster climbed to at least 920 dead and more than 51,000 missing. Citizens digging through the rubble of their homes said they have seen few state rescue teams in the areas hit hardest by the devastating 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes that struck late Wednesday, despite authorities projecting an image of a robust government response. The lack of help compounded families' desperation as the pressure to find buried survivors increased with each passing hour. The South American nation on Friday marked nearly two days since the disaster. Aid agencies consider the first 48 to 72 hours to be a crucial time frame to retrieve people alive, though that period increases if they have access to food and water. Meanwhile, an broad international aid effort accelerated, with dozens of rescue teams from around the globe arriving in Venezuela or due to arrive there soon. Read moreWhy Venezuela’s ‘doublet’ earthquakes were so devastating “Each person saved is a miracle,” said Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the country’s National Assembly. “We are not going to hide absolutely anything about the magnitude of this tragedy." Families across northern Venezuela searched in the ruins of buildings for relatives and whatever remained of their lives. Government forces distributed food and water to survivors in La Guaira, just north of the capital of Caracas, where some of the worst destruction unfolded, as acting President Delcy Rodriguez said her government was “working tirelessly” to mount a full response. She welcomed the arrival of rescuers and humanitarian aid from all over the world. She said La Guaira had been militarised and that more help was on the way, even as residents said it was just a fraction of the aid they needed. The disaster poses a huge challenge for Rodriguez, the former vice president who took office in January after the capture and removal of then-President Nicolas Maduro by the United States. Venezuela has been facing economic disarray for more than a decade, and many people reject the legitimacy of the political movement Rodríguez represents.