Venezuela Faces Aftermath of Devastating Earthquakes: Casualties Rise
Venezuela's Earthquake Crisis
Photo: @Madukasorochi/X
Caracas, July 1: Jorge Rodriguez, the President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, announced that the toll from the recent earthquakes has tragically increased to 1,943, with over 10,000 individuals injured.
The government has declared a state of emergency in the most affected areas and has deployed military forces to aid in relief and recovery operations. Temporary shelters have been established for families displaced by the disaster, and medical teams are actively providing treatment to those injured, as reported by a news agency.
On Monday morning, a new earthquake measuring 4.2 on the Richter scale struck near Caracas and La Guaira, causing panic among residents who evacuated buildings for safety, just days after the region was rocked by two significant quakes.
The Venezuelan Foundation for Seismological Research reported that the epicenter of this tremor was located in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 10 km from the coast of La Guaira, which was severely impacted by the earlier 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that occurred on Wednesday. This latest aftershock was felt around 9:30 am local time, further unsettling the already anxious population.
In both Caracas and La Guaira, residents fled their homes and workplaces as buildings shook. Many congregated in parks and open areas, fearing further collapses.
Maria Lopez, a La Guaira resident, expressed her fear, stating, "We are terrified. We have not slept properly since Wednesday. Every tremor makes us run out," during an interview with local media.
Despite the widespread fear, officials reported no new damage or casualties from the aftershock on Monday.
Rodriguez reassured the public, saying, "We have no reports of additional damage anywhere in the national territory," and urged citizens to stay calm and adhere to official guidance.
This aftershock occurs as Venezuela continues to deal with the consequences of the twin earthquakes that struck earlier in the week.
On Sunday, Rodriguez confirmed that the death toll from those earthquakes had risen to 1,450, with 774 structures either completely destroyed or severely compromised. Rescue operations are ongoing in various affected regions, with emergency teams diligently searching for survivors trapped beneath the debris.
Local officials have urged residents to steer clear of damaged buildings and to assist rescue teams. The government has also established emergency hotlines and advised coastal residents to seek higher ground as a precaution against possible tsunamis.