Venezuela hit by another strong earthquake
A fresh earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale struck off Venezuela's northern coast on Saturday, adding to concerns as the country struggles to respond
A fresh earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale struck off Venezuela's northern coast on Saturday, adding to concerns as the country struggles to respond to the devastation caused by the twin earthquakes that hit just two days earlier.The latest tremor was recorded offshore and came after the powerful back-to-back earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 that flattened buildings across parts of northern Venezuela, triggering one of the country's deadliest natural disasters in recent history. Authorities said the confirmed death toll had climbed to 920, while thousands of people remain unaccounted for, raising fears that the casualty count could increase further as search operations continue.Emergency responders are racing against time to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures. Rescue efforts, however, have become increasingly difficult because of damaged roads, disrupted communications and the sheer scale of destruction across the affected region.
Officials have warned that many communities remain inaccessible, delaying the delivery of food, water and medical supplies.Also read | US strikes Iran following attack on cargo ship in Strait of HormuzAs rescue operations intensified, the Venezuelan government moved to tighten access to La Guaira, identified as the epicentre of the disaster. Authorities late Friday announced restrictions on entry into the city after heavy traffic, crowds of volunteers and uncontrolled movement began hampering emergency operations. Government officials said access would now be regulated through an official permit system, although detailed guidelines on eligibility have not yet been announced.The restrictions are intended to give emergency personnel uninterrupted access to severely affected neighbourhoods, where search-and-rescue teams continue to comb through debris in the hope of finding survivors.
Officials have urged residents and volunteers to cooperate with the new measures while relief operations remain underway.International assistance has gathered pace as the humanitarian crisis deepens. Multiple countries and international organisations have dispatched specialised urban search-and-rescue teams, medical personnel and relief supplies to Venezuela. Several teams arrived on Friday, while more are expected over the coming days to reinforce local emergency services that have been stretched by the scale of the catastrophe.Also read | Apple's latest price hike hits India hardest as MacBooks, iPads get up to 70% costlierAid agencies are also mobilising emergency shelters, field hospitals and essential supplies for displaced families, amid concerns over shortages of drinking water, electricity and healthcare facilities in the worst-hit areas. Relief organisations have warned that prolonged disruptions to basic infrastructure could increase the risk of disease outbreaks and complicate recovery efforts.Seismologists continue to monitor the region closely following the latest offshore tremor.
The BriefWire