5.6 Magnitude Aftershock Hits Venezuela Following Deadly Earthquake Disaster

A 5.6 magnitude aftershock struck the Aragua coast in Venezuela on Saturday, following two powerful earthquakes that hit the region last Wednesday. This aftershock is part of a series of tremors reported in recent days. Rescue teams continue urgent search and relief efforts along the northern coast, where dozens of buildings were destroyed.

The official death toll has risen to 1,430, with at least 3,200 injured and approximately 3,100 people left homeless. Authorities fear the actual number of fatalities may be much higher, as many remain missing and are believed to be trapped under rubble. The hardest-hit area is near Simon Bolivar International Airport, affecting cities including La Guaira, Catia La Mar, and Caraballeda, where residential towers collapsed and entire families disappeared.

The capital, Caracas, also suffered significant damage, with building collapses reported in the Altamira and Los Palos Grandes neighborhoods. Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez described the event as a "horrible tragedy" and declared La Guaira a disaster zone. In a televised address, she called the seismic activity "unprecedented," noted the collapse of dozens of buildings, and emphasized ongoing rescue operations with hopes of saving lives.

Rodriguez urged private companies to provide heavy engineering equipment for rescue efforts. She also announced that initial rescue teams from the Dominican Republic are en route, with additional international aid expected to arrive soon.