The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 2,954, according to official figures released on Saturday.
The powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes hit the country on June 24, destroying homes and buildings, especially in the coastal state of La Guaira, north of the capital, Caracas.
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Authorities said more than 16,000 people have been left homeless, while over 12,000 people were injured.
The United Nations estimates that as many as 50,000 people are still missing.
Ten days after the disaster, rescue teams from Venezuela and other countries have started ending search operations because the chances of finding more survivors are now very low.
Although a few people were rescued alive this week, experts say the best chance of survival is usually within the first 72 hours after an earthquake.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez thanked international rescue teams for their efforts and presented medals to some of them, including their search dogs.
She said the country was going through a difficult time as many families had lost loved ones or their homes.
However, many residents have criticised the government’s response, saying local volunteers and neighbours were the first to search for survivors before international rescue teams arrived.
The government rejected the criticism, saying thousands of soldiers and emergency workers were deployed quickly.
In the hardest-hit areas, families are still trying to recover the bodies of relatives trapped under collapsed buildings.
Many have called for more heavy equipment to help remove the rubble.
Authorities said more than 190 buildings collapsed, mostly in La Guaira, while hundreds of other buildings were damaged.
Hospitals are also under pressure as health experts warn that overcrowded shelters could increase the risk of disease outbreaks.
International rescue teams, including those from the United States and other South American countries, are now preparing to leave as recovery efforts shift from rescue operations to clearing debris and helping survivors rebuild their lives.