Rescuers from the Mexican Army's Emergency Response Battalion (BAE), considered among the most experienced in the world in natural disasters, say the earthquake that devastated north-central Venezuela is “one of the largest tragedies” they have attended, above all because of the scale of the damage. The team is working in the coastal state of La Guaira, the hardest-hit area, where the official toll exceeded 1,700 dead on Monday.

Venezuela earthquake: Civilians have resorted to forming their own search and rescue teams as international relief pours in from multiple agencies. | World News

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.