By Elsie Kamsiyochi
A powerful aftershock rattled Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, early Monday, adding fresh anxiety to a nation already reeling from one of the deadliest natural disasters in its recent history.
As rescue teams entered their fourth consecutive day of around-the-clock operations, hopes of finding more survivors remained alive despite the enormous scale of destruction left behind by last week’s twin earthquakes.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the aftershock measured 4.6 in magnitude and struck approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) beneath the surface north of Caracas. Although residents reported feeling buildings shake and many rushed outdoors in fear, authorities said there were no immediate reports of additional damage or casualties linked to the latest tremor.
The focus of rescue efforts continues to be the coastal state of La Guaira, which suffered the worst devastation during Wednesday’s twin earthquakes. Entire neighborhoods were reduced to rubble as hundreds of buildings collapsed, trapping thousands beneath the debris. Officials say the disaster has claimed nearly 1,500 lives, while many others remain missing, making it one of Venezuela’s most catastrophic earthquakes in decades.
Emergency workers from Venezuela, supported by international rescue teams, have been working day and night using heavy machinery, thermal imaging equipment, search dogs, and specialized rescue techniques in a race against time. Families of those still missing continue to gather near collapsed buildings, anxiously waiting for any sign that their loved ones might still be alive.
The international response has been significant. Venezuelan authorities said 24 countries have provided assistance, sending more than 500 metric tons of humanitarian supplies, over 2,700 rescue and support personnel, and approximately 86 trained canine search teams. The global relief effort has delivered food, medical supplies, temporary shelters, engineering support, and specialized equipment to assist in rescue and recovery operations.
One of the most remarkable stories to emerge from the disaster involved 21-year-old Aaron Levi, who was rescued alive after spending 106 hours trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed building in La Guaira. The painstaking operation to free him reportedly lasted 43 hours and involved coordinated efforts by rescue teams from Venezuela, Mexico, and El Salvador.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele praised the multinational cooperation that made the rescue possible, describing it as an example of how international solidarity can save lives during major disasters. Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez also highlighted the rescue, calling it a symbol of hope for families still waiting for news of missing relatives.
Even as rescuers celebrate isolated success stories, officials acknowledge that conditions are becoming increasingly difficult. After several days beneath collapsed structures, the chances of finding additional survivors decline, but emergency crews say they remain committed to searching every possible location.
The earthquakes have further strained Venezuela, a country already facing years of political and economic hardship. Thousands of people have been displaced, with many forced to sleep outdoors or in temporary shelters after their homes were declared unsafe. Engineers continue inspecting damaged buildings throughout Caracas and surrounding regions, while authorities warn residents to remain alert as aftershocks are expected to continue in the coming days.
With rescue operations now entering a critical phase, Venezuela faces the enormous challenge of caring for survivors, rebuilding devastated communities, and recovering from a tragedy that has left deep emotional and physical scars across the country.
Source Reuters
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