Another 4.9 magnitude earthquake shakes Venezuela, death toll exceeds 900; search operations are in progress | Best Update | Today’s news
About two days after twin strong earthquakes rocked Venezuela, killing more than 900, another earthquake struck off the country’s northern coast on Friday afternoon (local time).
Reuters reported that witnesses in Caracas and Maracay felt the quake, which the EMSC earthquake monitor said had a magnitude of 4.9.
The third quake comes as Venezuela is already reeling from two powerful earthquakes that rocked the country on Wednesday, killing at least 920 and injuring 3,360 others, according to officials who believe the death toll could be higher. The AP news agency reported that thousands are still missing.
1. On Friday, Venezuelans took the search for missing loved ones into their own hands in the wake of two powerful earthquakes, citing a lack of government rescue workers as officials believed more than 51,000 were still missing. Citizens digging through the rubble of their homes to search for loved ones said they saw few state rescue teams in the areas hardest hit by the devastating 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors, despite authorities projecting an image of a strong government response.
2. According to the International Organization for Migration, the earthquake could affect up to 6.76 million people in Venezuela, including roughly two million in the capital itself. The destruction was amplified by one to two strikes of successive shallow tremors, experts said. Loyce Pace, regional director of the International Red Cross for the Americas, said: “People are still afraid to re-enter their homes.”
3. Venezuelan authorities said on Friday that up to 861 international volunteers from Mexico, the US, El Salvador, Switzerland, Colombia and other countries were in the country to carry out rescue operations, with many more expected to arrive from other countries in the coming hours and days. The United Nations (UN) said at least 1,000 rescue teams, 25 search and rescue teams from around the world were on the way.
This is a developing story. Further details were awaited.
