As the rescue operation for a recent earthquake in Venezuela winds down and international teams leave, many Venezuelans are left to search for survivors and recover the dead on their own, according to multiple reports. Residents are digging through earthquake rubble—sometimes with their bare hands—to locate loved ones’ remains and bring some measure of closure to families. Several outlets describe scenes in which people continue trying to recover bodies after rescue crews withdraw, with the recovery process becoming increasingly difficult as time passes.

The articles also report rising anger and concern over the government’s response to the disaster. While the international presence helps early-stage rescue work, coverage says that once those teams depart, the burden shifts to local communities with limited resources. Overall, the reports focus on the immediate aftermath of the earthquake rescue phase ending: families attempting recovery amid ongoing destruction, grief, and logistical challenges.