The death toll is expected to continue climbing as the search continues. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes struck on June 24.

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160km west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the US Geological Survey.

Officials have warned that a high death toll is expected following the quakes as rescue workers continue to search for victims of the terrifying tremors near the Venezuelan capital