Caracas hit by strong aftershock as Venezuela scrambles to recover from deadly twin quakes
A 4.6-magnitude aftershock struck north of Caracas on Monday morning, shaking the Venezuelan capital and the coastal city of La Guaira nearly five days after
A 4.6-magnitude aftershock struck north of Caracas on Monday morning, shaking the Venezuelan capital and the coastal city of La Guaira nearly five days after twin earthquakes devastated the country, Reuters and AFP reported. No damage was immediately reported from the aftershock. The aftershock was felt shortly after 7 am local time as rescue teams continued searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble of buildings brought down by last Wednesday's powerful earthquakes. Authorities also remain concerned about the structural stability of hundreds of buildings weakened by the initial tremors. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What magnitude were the earthquakes that struck Venezuela? ⌵ The earthquakes that struck Venezuela were measured at magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. 2 Why are the first 72 hours critical after an earthquake? ⌵ The first 72 hours after an earthquake are critical because the chances of finding survivors decrease significantly after this period, making it vital for rescue operations to be swift. 3 How many people are reported missing after the earthquakes in Venezuela? ⌵ As of now, nearly 50,000 people are reported missing following the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. 4 What kind of international assistance is Venezuela receiving after the earthquakes?
⌵ Venezuela is receiving international assistance in the form of relief supplies and search-and-rescue personnel from 24 countries, totaling over 521 tons of supplies and more than 2,700 rescue workers. 5 Should survivors of the earthquakes in Venezuela seek shelter? ⌵ Yes, survivors should seek shelter, as many have lost their homes and the authorities are setting up camps for those displaced by the earthquakes. The death toll from the disaster has climbed to at least 1,500, Reuters reported. While search efforts have led to emotional rescues, including an infant and a woman who survived more than three days under collapsed debris, officials hope the arrival of additional international rescue teams and humanitarian aid will strengthen ongoing relief operations. The earthquakes have further strained Venezuela's already fragile healthcare system, which has been grappling with years of economic and political challenges. Five days after the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck within a minute of each other, more international search-and-rescue teams are reaching Venezuela. The twin quakes flattened buildings across the country's north, with the second earthquake ranking among the strongest to hit Venezuela in the past century. Authorities said at least 68,900 people have been reported missing by their families.
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