CARACAS, Venezuela, June 28 (ANI) — A fresh earthquake of magnitude 5.6 struck off the coast of Venezuela on Saturday, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), adding to a series of powerful seismic events that have devastated the region in recent days.
The tremor was recorded in waters off the coast of Aragua at a depth of 30 kilometers. It comes just days after twin earthquakes hit the country, which reportedly caused widespread destruction and significant loss of life.
The latest quake follows a severe seismic sequence that included two major earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude earlier in the week. Those events left large parts of infrastructure damaged and triggered mass casualties and displacement.
International agencies and officials have continued to respond to the unfolding disaster. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, Tommy Pigott, said the United States had rapidly mobilized disaster response teams following the earlier earthquakes.
“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,” he said.
Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez thanked international partners for their support, including United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who offered condolences to affected families.
Rodríguez also acknowledged messages of solidarity from International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, expressing appreciation for international assistance and coordination during the crisis.
Meanwhile, residents in affected areas have reported difficulties in recovery operations, citing poor coordination and disruptions to mobile and internet services that have complicated emergency response efforts.
The recent seismic activity is part of a continuing series of aftershocks and smaller earthquakes following the major events earlier in the week. At least 1,430 people have reportedly been confirmed dead, while tens of thousands remain missing, according to international reports.
Humanitarian agencies have warned that the chances of finding survivors diminish significantly within 72 hours of such disasters, as rescue teams continue efforts to reach people trapped under collapsed structures.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has estimated that the earthquakes have caused approximately $6.7 billion in direct physical damage, equivalent to about 6 percent of Venezuela’s GDP, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian and economic crisis.
Authorities say recovery and rescue operations remain ongoing as aftershocks continue to affect the region. (ANI)
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