As the official death toll continues to rise following Wednesday's earthquakes, Venezuelans say the civilian population has shouldered the brunt of the rescue and recovery work.

The Venezuelan government has loosened restrictions on social media as residents search for missing loved ones.

Residents of La Guaira, a popular spot for beachgoers and the worst-hit city in the country, and Moron, near the quakes' epicenter, were scrambling amid limited official help.