A powerful aftershock of 4.6 magnitude shook Caracas and the neighbouring state of La Guaira on Monday morning, nearly five days after the twin earthquakes that devastated northern Venezuela and killed at least 1,450 people.
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AFP journalists reported that the tremor was felt shortly after 7am local time, adding to fears over the safety of hundreds of buildings already weakened by last Wednesday’s quakes. Rescue operations continued across La Guaira, the hardest-hit area, as local and international teams searched for survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.
More than 2,600 rescue workers from around the world have arrived with search dogs and heavy machinery. Authorities said over 770 buildings had partially or completely collapsed, while thousands of people remain missing. The UN estimates that up to 6.8 million Venezuelans could be affected by the disaster.
Despite the passing of the critical 72-hour rescue window, acting President Delcy Rodríguez said the search for survivors would continue. Authorities have also deployed more than 14,000 military and police personnel across La Guaira, where access is restricted.
The latest aftershock came after additional tremors of magnitude 4.2 and 4.5 were recorded on Sunday, raising concerns about further structural damage. Hospitals in Caracas have been overwhelmed with injured patients, although donations from the public have helped ease shortages of medical supplies.
For many families, the battle is now between hope and despair. Rescuers continued to pull survivors from the rubble over the weekend, while relatives of those still trapped vowed not to give up, even as conditions became increasingly difficult.
With dust covering coastal communities and the search entering its sixth day, Venezuela faces a growing humanitarian challenge as emergency crews race against time amid continuing seismic activity.
