In pictures: The death toll in Venezuela has exceeded 1,700 Stories About Earthquakes

With the window to find survivors closing fast, Venezuelans are walking through the rubble of buildings destroyed by last week’s powerful earthquake amid growing fears of a crisis that could last for years.

Officials said on Monday that at least 1,719 people have died and 5,034 have been injured in two earthquakes that occurred on Wednesday north of La Guaira. Tens of thousands more are still missing or unaccounted for, straining a cash-strapped government already struggling to house and feed those left homeless.

Rescuers said the first 72 hours after the earthquake are the most difficult to find people alive and free them from the debris. The deadline passed on Saturday, but the search continues in the devastated areas where families are kept awake by piles of rubbish. “We have to be strong, even without food, without sleep,” said Ana Rada as she watched the security personnel search for her brother. “Until I see the body, I still have hope.”

Confronted with moving too slowly, the authorities have stepped up their response. Police and soldiers handed out cans of tuna and crackers to refugees in La Guaira while National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said electricity had been restored to 90 percent of the state and 15 temporary camps had been set up.

A magnitude 4.6 earthquake occurred near Caraballeda on Monday, one of more than 600 earthquakes recorded since the 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes. No new damage was reported, but the tremor sent residents of Caracas screaming into the streets.

“We are back on the street,” said Concepcion Hernandez, 51, after moving out of her apartment in the capital. “I don’t know when we will have a moment of real peace.”