Panic rattled nerves as many Venezuelans went to fend for themselves.

In the mountainous area of ​​El Junquito, west of Caracas, residents told Reuters they had seen few government officials, while farmers and other residents had been providing basic supplies to the community.

“We’re waiting for answers, for the debris to be cleared, for an investigation, for the people who were really hurt to be helped,” resident Kaylee Ibarra, 33, told Reuters.

On Monday, Rodriguez said more than 25,000 emergency workers, police officers and soldiers were helping Venezuelans affected by the earthquake.

“Every life saved is a victory for hope,” she posted on social media X.

She also announced a commission to assess the damage, headed by her brother, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez.

Speaking on state television, she said the group will decide who can return home by using colored traffic lights to distinguish safety. Temporary camps are being set up to house the evacuees, she said.

Tadaw’s 21-year-old was joined by teams from Venezuela, Mexico and El Salvador in the city of Carabaleda, Salvadoran President Naib Buquele announced on Monday.

The man, Aaron Levi Cantillo Vargas, is receiving special medical care, Bukele said, adding that rescuers will “continue to work in the hope of saving more people.”

UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator Gianluca Rampola del Tindaro said on Monday that there were more than 500 aftershocks and at least 2,500 buildings were damaged by Wednesday’s first tremors, most of which had completely collapsed.

The United Nations said it was receiving 10,000 body bags in its rescue efforts and said the death toll was bound to rise.

“It is very sad and we really hope that the number will be less than that and now we are focusing on the rescue work,” he said.

Meanwhile, more international aid has been pledged. The US has announced more than $300m (£227m) in aid to Venezuela – up from a previous commitment of $150m.

“These funds will provide emergency medical care, food assistance, water and sanitation, shelter, protection and logistics,” the US State Department said.

The American frigate USS Fort Lauderdale is currently off the coast of La Guaira. Sailors and Marines are using landing and amphibious craft to deliver aid to hard-hit coastal areas.

The Netherlands said it would send a ship with emergency supplies, and China pledged nearly $15 million in aid.