Venezuela in crisis: Death toll from two earthquakes rises to 1,719, fears grow for the fate of thousands missing.

The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 1,719, as search and rescue operations continue amid catastrophic humanitarian conditions in the affected areas.

Venezuelan parliament speaker Jorge Rodriguez said the number of injured had exceeded 5,034, while more than 22,619 people were affected by the two earthquakes.

He added that 189 buildings had completely collapsed out of 855 damaged buildings, while large numbers of residents were still missing, with estimates suggesting that tens of thousands might be under the rubble or in areas of unknown fate.

The two earthquakes occurred just 39 seconds apart, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 according to the US Geological Survey, causing widespread destruction that included the capital, Caracas, and several states.

Rescue teams are still working amid difficult conditions as the search for survivors continues.