Escalation: Twin earthquakes devastate Venezuela, killing 3,535

The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has risen to 3,535, with more than 16,700 injured, according to updated official figures.

International search-and-rescue dog teams are aiding operations, with dogs such as Tsunami and Sisu combing the rubble to locate survivors.

In Catia La Mar, officials began burying dozens of bodies on Sunday as communities pivot from rescue to mourning.

The quakes struck on June 24; in Caracas, security guard Hernan Gil was pulled out alive after eight days trapped beneath debris.

Counts differ by update: RTE puts the toll at 3,535 with over 16,700 injured, while the Bangkok Post reported at least 3,342 deaths on Sunday.

AI-synthesized from multiple reported sources