Venezuela earthquake: Death toll nears 1,500, aftershock shakes Caracas, search for survivors continues | Today’s news
The death toll from Venezuela’s earthquake climbed to nearly 1,500 on Monday (June 29th) as rescuers raced to find survivors under collapsed buildings, even as a fresh 4.6-magnitude aftershock rocked the capital Caracas and surrounding areas.
The aftershock, which struck north of Caracas at a depth of 10 km, caused panic among residents, but no immediate damage was reported, according to the National Assembly there.
Twin earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 that struck Venezuela’s Caribbean coast last Wednesday devastated the northern state of La Guaira, leveling hundreds of buildings and triggering one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters in decades.
The search for survivors continues
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The recent earthquakes in Venezuela were caused by tectonic activity in the region, resulting in two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5. They ravaged the northern state of La Guaira.
Authorities reported that 774 buildings were damaged or completely destroyed by the earthquake, with significant structural devastation observed throughout La Guair.
The search for survivors in Venezuela is challenging due to the critical loss of the initial 72-hour rescue window, ongoing aftershocks, and a shortage of heavy equipment and manpower.
International aid was key to the recovery effort, with 24 countries providing humanitarian aid, rescue personnel and support services, significantly boosting the local response to the disaster.
As time has passed, rescue operations have shifted from actively searching for survivors to more recovery efforts as hopes dwindle beyond the critical initial days, given the continuing aftershocks and challenging conditions.
Rescue operations have entered their fifth day, with rescue teams continuing non-stop efforts despite dwindling hopes of finding survivors after a critical 72-hour rescue window.
The families of the missing remained at the disaster sites while local and international rescuers searched the wreckage.
One of the most remarkable rescues occurred when 21-year-old Aaron Levi Cantillo was pulled alive from the rubble after spending 106 hours trapped under the collapsed building. Venezuelan authorities said the rescue operation itself took 43 hours and involved teams from Venezuela, Mexico and El Salvador.
The death toll is rising, thousands are injured
Authorities said the quake killed nearly 1,500 people and caused hundreds of buildings to collapse.
National Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodriguez said more than 12,700 people were directly affected and 774 buildings were damaged or destroyed.
However, the United Nations estimates that up to 6.8 million people could be affected by displacement or disruptions to basic services such as electricity and water.
Thousands of people also remain injured or missing, while online volunteer databases have recorded more than 50,000 missing person reports, although many cases remain unverified.
An aftershock shakes Caracas
Monday’s 4.6-magnitude aftershock sent residents into the streets across parts of Caracas.
Although officials reported no new structural damage, the tremor raised concerns among survivors already traumatized by last week’s devastating earthquakes.
International aid is gathering pace
International aid has expanded significantly as humanitarian operations intensify.
According to Venezuelan authorities, 24 countries have contributed more than 500 metric tons of humanitarian supplies, more than 2,700 rescuers and 86 dog search teams.
The United States has doubled its humanitarian commitment to more than $300 million, up from an earlier pledge of $150 million.
The funding will support emergency medical care, food, clean water, sanitation, shelter and logistics through organizations such as the Red Cross, World Food Programme, International Organization for Migration, Samaritan’s Purse and Catholic Rescue Services.
Washington also deployed:
-Four urban search and rescue teams
-More than 300 rescuers
-Almost two dozen search dogs
Additionally, U.S. sailors are helping to repair the strategic port of La Guaira, allowing for faster delivery of humanitarian supplies by sea.
India launches Operation Amistad
India has also expanded its humanitarian response under Operation Amistad.
An Indian Army field hospital has become fully operational in Caracas, providing 24-hour free medical services.
The auxiliary mission includes:
-Two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft
-66 tons of humanitarian aid
-More than 35 tons of humanitarian supplies, medicine and medical equipment
-Two mobile hospital units of BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri).
The Indian embassy said the field hospital is staffed by experienced army doctors and is treating earthquake survivors around the clock.
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