Two young brothers have been rescued from the rubble of their home in Venezuela after surviving the devastating earthquake that struck the country last Tuesday, leaving hundreds dead and thousands more displaced.

The boys, aged 8 and 9, were trapped under the debris for over three days, sparking a massive rescue effort that involved local villagers, international aid teams, and emergency responders.

a rescue team carrying an injured child through the rubble

Rescuers spent six hours carefully digging to reach the first boy, who was then pulled to safety while still alive. The second boy was found a few hours later, with his family overjoyed to be reunited with their sons.

Many residents in the affected areas continue to search through the rubble by hand, waiting for heavy machinery to arrive and begin the massive clean-up effort. 'We are doing everything we can to reach those who are still trapped,' said Maria Diaz, a local resident who has been helping with the rescue efforts.

The full extent of the damage from the earthquake, which was felt as far away as neighboring Colombia, is still being assessed. The death toll currently stands at over 500, with many more believed to be trapped under the rubble.