Khaberni - A new earthquake of magnitude 4.9 has struck the northern coast of Venezuela, increasing fears days after the devastating earthquakes, while rescue and search operations continue.
The European Mediterranean Seismological Centre reported that the new earthquake was felt by residents in the cities of Caracas and Maracay, coming at a time when rescue teams are still struggling to extricate those trapped under the rubble.
Death Toll of Venezuela Earthquake
The Venezuelan authorities announced that the death toll from the two earthquakes that struck the country last Wednesday, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, has risen to 920, while the toll is expected to continue to rise as search operations continue in the affected areas.
Estimates from the United Nations suggest that more than 50,000 people are still missing, which indicates the possibility of a significant increase in the number of victims in the coming days.
Extensive Rescue Operations
Venezuela is witnessing one of the largest international rescue operations, with specialized teams from at least 17 countries participating in the search and rescue efforts, alongside eight emergency medical teams, totaling about a thousand personnel.
Rescue teams and aid from the United States, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Qatar, Jordan, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands, as well as other countries equipped with heavy machinery, trained dogs, and specialized medical crews, have arrived in the country.
The United States has also announced $150 million in humanitarian aid, with ships, helicopters, and military aircraft mobilized to support relief efforts and transport equipment and rescue teams.
La Guaira Most Affected
The area of La Guaira north of the capital Caracas is the most affected by the disaster, after dozens of residential buildings collapsed and the Maiquetia International Airport suffered damage, forcing authorities to close it.
Survivors described moments of horror during the collapsing of buildings, confirming that several residents are still trapped under the debris, amid a shortage of heavy equipment needed to lift the concrete blocks.
Stringent Security Measures
The Venezuelan government has declared La Guaira a disaster zone and imposed full military control over it, as well as restricted entry to prevent looting and secure rescue and relief operations.
Authorities, in cooperation with international organizations, continue to assess the extent of the damage, at a time when fears of new aftershocks that could hinder rescue efforts and worsen the humanitarian situation are increasing.
