[Anchor]

In Venezuela, which has been struck by a series of devastating earthquakes, the death toll has reached 2,295. The Venezuelan government has declared a seven-day period of national mourning.

Reporter Park Chan-beom has the story.

[Reporter]

Rescue teams from around the world continue to search through the rubble for missing persons, marking the eighth day since the series of earthquakes began.

Although the 72-hour golden time, considered the critical window for saving lives, has long passed and the chances of survival for the missing are diminishing, their families remain at the scene, waiting for any news of survivors.

[Rodriguez / Family member of a missing person: It is truly horrific. My 19-year-old nephew is currently under the rubble. I know he is there because he was on the phone with his mother (just before the earthquake hit).]

As of yesterday, July 1 (local time), the official death toll has risen to 2,295.

The number of injured has also been recorded at 12,267.

The Venezuelan government has declared a seven-day national mourning period to honor the victims.

Venezuelan Interim President Delcy Rodriguez wrote on social media, "Venezuela is suffering a pain that tears at its soul due to the loss of life caused by the earthquake."

International organizations and relief groups are speaking with one voice, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid.

The International Rescue Committee reported that the disruption of water and electricity supplies is making it difficult to secure drinking water and maintain sanitation.

The World Food Programme (WFP), an agency under the United Nations, has appealed for $50 million in funding to provide emergency food assistance to up to 500,000 people over the next three months.

[Gonzalez / WFP staff member: Recovering from the earthquake-stricken area is like a marathon. It is important to provide continuous support to the affected residents in Venezuela.]

The World Health Organization has also warned that a large-scale epidemic could break out, as Venezuela's healthcare facilities have exceeded their capacity.

(Video Editing: So Ji-hye)