Fresh earthquake of magnitude 5.6 hits Venezuela
Caracas, June 28
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre detected an earthquake of magnitude 5.6 off the coast of Venezuela.
The 5.6-magnitude earthquake impacted the waters off the coast of Aragua with the seismic event occurring days after the region experienced twin earthquakes that reportedly resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,500 individuals.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 30km
Meanwhile, US Department of State's Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, "By bringing international disaster response programs under the State Department, the U.S. government is able to respond more rapidly and more effectively to disasters. After the earthquakes in Venezuela, the U.S. immediately mobilized, activating urban search and rescue teams and the delivery of humanitarian and medical supplies."
Acting President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez thanked United Arab Emirates President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his condolences to the affected families.
Managing Director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva expressed solidarity to Rodriguez on the face of the tragedy.
Residents, meanwhile, have complained of a lack of organisation in the government's recovery efforts, with the situation made worse by mobile and internet outages in some areas.
Several aftershocks and smaller quakes have been reported after Venezuela was hit by two major earthquakes on Wednesday, one with a magnitude of 7.2 and the other 7.5.
Rescuers are still on their toes to rescue possible survivors of those earthquakes. At least 1,430 people have been confirmed dead so far after Wednesday's quakes. Another 51,000 have been reported missing, as per Al Jazeera.
Authorities have said that recovering survivors will become increasingly unlikely if they are not found within the first 72 hours after an earthquake strikes. Many people are believed to be buried under the rubble from collapsed buildings, and the death toll is expected to climb.
As per UNDP, the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 caused significant human suffering and loss of life, while also severely affecting livelihoods, infrastructure, and essential services. This includes a preliminary estimate of USD 6.7 billion in direct physical damage, equivalent to around 6% of GDP, according to a satellite-based Rapid Digital Assessment (RAPIDA) by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). While the economic impact is substantial, the greatest loss is borne by the people and communities.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The US and UAE are stepping up to help, which is good, but residents are saying the government's recovery efforts are unorganized. Mobile and internet outages make it worse. Hope the international aid reaches the people quickly. 😢
This is a massive humanitarian crisis. 6.7 billion USD in damage is roughly 6% of their GDP. Even in the US, we need to examine our own earthquake preparedness along the Pacific Coast. Solidarity with the Venezuelan people.
The 72-hour window for rescue is crucial. Over 1,400 dead already, and it's only been a few days. Venezuela needs all the help it can get—India should also offer assistance, maybe with medical teams or emergency supplies. We are all one world when disaster strikes.
The aftershocks must be terrifying for survivors. 5.6 is no small tremor. The IMF and UNDP are assessing the damage, but real help on the ground is what matters. Praying for the missing 51,000 people.
The US response sounds swift, but I hope it goes beyond just promises. Delcy Rodriguez is thanking UAE, but the people on the ground need accountability. The lack of organization in recovery is a red flag. 😠
E We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.