Venezuelans fear returning home after twin earthquakes

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Northern Venezuela has been hit by an aftershock that came five days after the country was struck by two earthquakes. Residents fled their homes, and some search operations were suspended. Meanwhile anger is rising over the slowness of the response, a symptom of a state that has been hollowed out by corruption and hyperinflation. Although international teams have arrived, many areas have still had little help. As a result, residents have been forced to search through the rubble with crowbars, pickaxes and their bare hands. Speed is key in earthquake responses. Most rescues usually occur within 24 hours of each disaster, and aid agencies say the first 72 hours are crucial to saving lives. This window has closed. So far 1,719 people have been confirmed dead, although the UN is preparing for a death toll of up to 50,000.