The death toll from the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week has risen to nearly 3,000, according to official figures, as international rescue teams begin scaling back search operations amid fading hopes of finding more survivors.

La Guaira, located about 40 kilometers from the capital Caracas, has been the hardest-hit city, with entire residential buildings reduced to rubble after the earthquakes that struck on June 24.

Thousands of survivors remain homeless, sheltering on streets and in public parks, while humanitarian relief efforts continue to provide emergency assistance.