Rescue operations have been continuing since two earthquakes with magnitudes over 7 struck the country on Wednesday. National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said on Monday that the number of deaths had increased to 1,719.
The United Nations said more than 2,200 rescuers from 27 countries have been sent to Venezuela. Amid continuing aftershocks, they are helping local authorities search for people trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.
On Monday, a UN representative in Venezuela said, "At least 2,500 structures are affected, most of which fully collapsed." The representative also said, "We are procuring, and this is something that has been agreed with the authorities here, 10,000 body bags."
The official reported that seven people were rescued on Sunday, beyond the 72-hour window, which is the point when survival rates are believed to drop drastically.
The UN Children's Fund, or UNICEF, said about 1.8 million people, including 680,000 children, need humanitarian assistance.