Caracas: A powerful 4.6-magnitude aftershock struck northern Venezuela early Monday, triggering fresh panic among residents just days after the country’s devastating twin earthquakes. Although no major new damage was immediately reported, the tremor sent frightened people rushing into the streets and briefly disrupted ongoing rescue operations.
The aftershock was centred north of Caracas at a depth of about 10 kilometres, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Authorities in neighbouring Colombia measured the tremor at 5.1 magnitude, highlighting slight differences in seismic assessments.
The latest quake comes five days after the rare twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck just 39 seconds apart, causing widespread destruction across northern Venezuela, particularly in La Guaira and Caracas. The disaster has become one of the country’s deadliest natural calamities in modern history.
Rescue teams continue searching collapsed buildings despite fading hopes of finding more survivors. In a rare success, rescuers recently pulled 21-year-old Aaron Levi Cantillo Vargas alive from the rubble after he had been trapped for 106 hours, offering a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy.
According to the latest official figures, the death toll has risen to more than 1,700, while over 5,000 people have been injured and thousands remain displaced. Authorities say tens of thousands of people are still reported missing as emergency crews continue recovery operations.
The humanitarian response has expanded significantly, with rescue personnel and aid arriving from around the world. More than 30 countries have contributed search-and-rescue teams, medical personnel and relief supplies. The United States has doubled its humanitarian assistance to $300 million and deployed military personnel to help restore operations at the La Guaira port, a key entry point for international aid.
Despite the international support, frustration is mounting among survivors over the pace of government assistance. Many displaced families remain in temporary shelters, while shortages of heavy rescue equipment and damaged infrastructure continue to hamper relief efforts. Experts warn that the recovery process could take years and cost billions of dollars.
The United Nations has warned that up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the disaster, underscoring the enormous humanitarian challenge facing Venezuela as aftershocks continue to threaten already weakened buildings and rescue workers race against time.
