Venezuela earthquake death toll hits 1700+

Frustration is rising across Venezuela over a lack of government help in areas struck by deadly twin earthquakes five days ago, with the death toll hitting more than 1,700.

Among the casualties are believed to be as many as 140 people deported from the US, including children, who were staying at a hotel toppled by the back-to-back 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude quakes.

On the fifth day of rescue efforts, the Venezuelan government tally showed nearly 200 buildings completely flattened and several hundred severely damaged.

The international community has rallied to help Venezuela deal with the disaster, with most help focused in La Guaira, the hardest-hit state.

Authorities said the oil-rich South American country has received support from 30 nations, including 1,000 metric tons of supplies, more than 3,600 rescue and support workers as well as 118 search-and-rescue canines.

It is unclear how many people are still trapped.

Among the most remarkable rescues so far, footage showed 71-year old Ingrid Muriel Rochabrun Urbina, being pulled from the wreckage of her home in la Guaira.

In El Junquito, a small mountainous region about 33 kilometres west of the Venezuelan capital Caracas, residents say they have seen few public officials, while farmers and other residents have been providing basic supplies to the community.

Signalling rising tensions surrounding the politics of the recovery effort, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said the Venezuelan government had blocked her entry from Panama but resolved to find a way back to help the victims.

Jorge Rodriguez, president of the Venezuelan National Assembly, said 15 shelters had been set up in La Guaira as well as 50 provisional camps to help people affected by the quakes.

He applauded Venezuelans for their calm and strength, blaming any anger against the government on misinformation.