Caracas, July 1 (IANS) Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said that the death toll from the two powerful earthquakes that recently struck the country has risen to 1,943, with more than 10,000 injured.
The government has declared a state of emergency in the worst-affected regions and has mobilised the armed forces to assist in relief and rehabilitation efforts. Shelters have been set up for displaced families, and medical teams are providing care to the injured, Xinhua news agency reported.
A fresh 4.2-magnitude earthquake hit near the Venezuelan cities of Caracas and La Guaira on Monday morning, causing alarm among local residents who were seen leaving buildings for open spaces, just days after two powerful tremors devastated the region.
According to a report by the official Venezuelan Foundation for Seismological Research, the tremor’s epicentre in the Caribbean Sea was located just 10 km off the coast of La Guaira state, the region worst hit by the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that occurred on Wednesday. The latest aftershock struck at approximately 9:30 am local time, sending shockwaves through the already jittery population.
Residents in Caracas, the capital, and the coastal city of La Guaira rushed out of their homes and workplaces as buildings swayed. Many were seen gathering in parks, plazas and other open spaces, fearing further structural collapses.
“We are terrified. We have not slept properly since Wednesday. Every tremor makes us run out,” said Maria Lopez, a resident of La Guaira, speaking to local media.
Despite the panic, authorities said no additional damage or casualties had been reported from Monday’s aftershock.
“We have no reports of additional damage anywhere in the national territory,” Rodriguez said after the tremor. He urged citizens to remain calm and follow official instructions.
The aftershock comes as Venezuela continues to grapple with the aftermath of the twin earthquakes that struck on Wednesday.
On Sunday, Rodriguez confirmed that the death toll from those powerful quakes had risen to 1,450, with 774 buildings either completely collapsed or severely damaged. Rescue operations are still underway in several affected areas, with emergency teams working tirelessly to search for survivors trapped under rubble.
Local authorities have appealed to citizens to avoid damaged structures and to cooperate with rescue teams. The government has also set up hotlines for emergency assistance and has advised residents in coastal areas to move to higher ground as a precautionary measure against potential tsunamis.
–IANS
rs/