Venezuela shaken by magnitude 4.9 tremor days after major earthquakes

Venezuela Experiences New Earthquake Following Devastating Quakes

A magnitude 4.9 earthquake has struck off the northern coast of Venezuela, according to the Earthquake Tracker Organisation EMSC. The tremor occurred on Friday, approximately 61 kilometres northwest of Maracay in the state of La Guaira.

This latest earthquake follows a pair of powerful quakes that hit the country on Wednesday evening, resulting in significant loss of life and damage. The two earthquakes, with magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck the capital city of Caracas, causing widespread destruction and leaving many people injured. The death toll is expected to rise, with estimates suggesting over 10,000 casualties.

The US Geological Survey has reported that at least 3,360 people have been injured, while more than 172 individuals remain trapped beneath the rubble. The number of missing persons has surpassed 50,000, according to the Venezuelan government.

In response to the ongoing crisis, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced on Friday that restricted access would be granted to some areas in La Guaira state. Residents have been organizing to collect supplies and search for survivors, with some using their vehicles as makeshift ambulances.

The Venezuelan government has also loosened restrictions on social media platforms, allowing community members to share information about missing loved ones. Local residents, including Jennifer Palacios, whose six-year-old son is among those buried beneath the rubble, are expressing gratitude for the efforts of the community in rescuing people from the disaster.

Source: Al Jazeera