The death toll from last week’s powerful earthquakes in northern Venezuela has risen to 1,943, with more than 10,500 people injured and over 28,000 receiving medical care.

The back-to-back 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude quakes caused widespread destruction, leaving thousands missing and prompting an international rescue effort.

Authorities said rescuers from 30 countries, along with search dogs and humanitarian aid, have helped save more than 6,450 people, while 13,500 others escaped on their own.

Some residents criticized rescue operations, alleging that wealth and political influence affected search priorities, Euro News has reported.

The United Nations Development Programme estimates the earthquakes caused about $6.7 billion in direct physical damage, while UNICEF says 1.8 million people need humanitarian assistance.