Three days after the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela, rescue teams continue searching for survivors as the death toll rises to 1,430. A 4.8-magnitude aftershock shook the country Saturday, adding to fears as recovery efforts continue.
Caracas — Venezuela remains in the grip of one of the deadliest natural disasters in its recent history, three days after two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck the country’s northern coast just 39 seconds apart, leaving widespread destruction and a mounting death toll.
The twin earthquakes, which struck on June 24, caused hundreds of buildings to collapse and inflicted severe damage across Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira, prompting authorities to declare a nationwide state of emergency.
According to the latest official figures released Saturday, at least 1,430 people have died, 3,238 have been injured, and 3,142 families have been displaced. Rescue operations continue as emergency crews search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
More than 1,600 international rescue workers have joined Venezuelan emergency teams, deploying heavy machinery, search-and-rescue dogs and advanced detection technology in hopes of locating additional survivors. Despite the passage of time, several rescues have been reported, offering hope to families awaiting news of missing loved ones.
Authorities are also working to gradually restore electricity, drinking water and telecommunications while thousands of residents remain in temporary shelters or sleep outdoors amid fears of further aftershocks.
On Saturday afternoon, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck off Venezuela’s coast at 3:20 p.m. local time (1920 GMT), according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake’s epicenter was located approximately 30 kilometers northwest of El Limón, in Aragua state, near Caracas, at a depth of 10 kilometers.
The tremor was felt in the Venezuelan capital but caused no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
The latest quake comes as the country continues critical rescue and recovery efforts following Wednesday’s devastating earthquakes. International humanitarian organizations have begun delivering food, medicine and emergency supplies, while experts warn that the coming days will remain crucial for locating survivors and assisting those affected by the disaster.
