A UK search team has joined earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela.

British special search and rescue teams have been sent to Venezuela, where the death toll from two massive earthquakes hit 1,000 on Wednesday.

A Royal Air Force plane carrying 68 personnel and supplies, including sniffer dogs and drones, took off from Brize Norton Airport on Friday evening to join the international rescue effort.

The British government has announced £2 million in humanitarian aid to Venezuela, where tens of thousands of people have been displaced by 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes seconds apart.

The epicenter of the devastating earthquake was about 100 miles (160 km) west of the capital, Caracas.

Hundreds of aid workers have arrived or are on their way to the South American country to join the search for survivors.

Hospitals in the worst-hit areas are overwhelmed with critical supplies.

A website where people can report missing loved ones has recorded more than 52,000 people as unreachable as of 21:00 BST on Friday.

The UK Rescue Team brings together firefighters and specialists from across the UK and is coordinated by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service with RAF support.

Humanitarian, medical and security specialists have also joined the effort.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “My thoughts are with the people of Venezuela following this week’s devastating earthquake.

The UK stands in solidarity with all those affected, especially those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.

On Friday, Venezuela’s acting president, Delsey Rodriguez, said 215 aftershocks had been recorded after the quake.

A state of emergency has been declared and airport, train and transport services have been suspended.

Buildings were damaged by the earthquake and there was a high demand for relief supplies among the homeless.