A fresh aftershock measuring 4.6 magnitude struck areas north of Caracas on Monday, worsening the situation in Venezuela following last week’s twin earthquakes. The tremor, recorded at a depth of 10 kilometres, added to the anxiety of already exhausted survivors and rescue teams. No immediate damage was reported, but aftershocks have continued to hit the region since Wednesday’s major quakes.
The death toll from the two powerful earthquakes—measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude—has now risen to nearly 1,500, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent decades in the country.
Rescue efforts under pressure
Search and rescue operations are continuing in heavily affected areas, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira, where teams are working through collapsed buildings in search of survivors. Moments of successful rescues have been mixed with widespread destruction and loss.
Over 2,600 rescue personnel from various countries, supported by search dogs and heavy equipment, are assisting Venezuelan teams in the large-scale operation. Authorities have said efforts will continue despite experts warning that survival chances drop sharply after the first 72 hours.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said that rescue and recovery work remains ongoing and that hope has not been abandoned. She also announced a commission to evaluate structural safety in damaged buildings. Schools will remain closed for another week, and electricity has reportedly been restored to around 75% of La Guaira.
Rising casualties and displacement
According to National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, the death toll has reached 1,450, with 3,150 injured, over 12,700 displaced, and more than 770 buildings destroyed.
He described the situation as “critical hours” for both rescue operations and setting up temporary shelters for those who have lost their homes.
The United Nations estimates that as many as 6.8 million people could be affected by the disaster. However, conflicting reports have emerged, with opposition-linked sources suggesting tens of thousands remain unaccounted for due to communication breakdowns.
Narrowing survival window
Rescue experts continue to stress that the chance of finding survivors decreases significantly after 72 hours, though teams are still reporting occasional successful rescues.
International rescue units have pulled survivors from the rubble, including infants and children, offering rare moments of hope amid the devastation. Teams from the US, Colombia, and Mexico have all reported live rescues in recent days.
