At least 1,943 people have perished in the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela overnight, authorities confirmed on Tuesday, as the search for survivors continues.

Massive humanitarian need

UNICEF estimates that around 1.8 million people, including 680,000 children, require humanitarian assistance after the quakes, with many left without access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter.

Emergency responders are racing against time to reach affected communities, with rescue efforts hampered by damaged infrastructure and treacherous terrain.

UNICEF calls for aid

As the situation on the ground remains dire, UNICEF is pleading for international support to bolster its humanitarian response. 'We need immediate attention to save countless lives,' a UNICEF spokesperson urged.

With the full extent of the damage yet to be assessed, the international community is bracing for the worst, with fears of a potentially catastrophic humanitarian crisis unfolding.

Worsening crisis

The earthquakes are the latest in a series of natural disasters to hit Venezuela in recent years, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.

With the country's healthcare system buckling under the strain of the pandemic, the devastating impact of the quakes threatens to overwhelm what little remains of the infrastructure.

As rescue efforts unfold, attention is being drawn to the broader implications of the disaster, including the long-term impact on the country's already precarious social and economic landscape.