The death toll from last week's twin earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to more than 1,700 people, top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez said on Monday. Over 5,000 were wounded, and more than 15,000 left homeless, Rodriguez added in an address on state television.
Aftershock Rattles Caracas
Residents of Caracas woke up to an aftershock that rocked their houses early Monday, while rescue teams continued their fourth day of round-the-clock work in affected areas. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 4.6-magnitude aftershock centered at a depth of 10 km (6 miles) hit north of the capital. No damage was immediately reported, the president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, said on social media.
Rescue Efforts Focus on Hard-Hit La Guaira
Rescue efforts have focused particularly on La Guaira, the hardest-hit state of a country long mired in a deep political and economic crisis. Wednesday's twin earthquakes have left close to 1,500 people confirmed dead and hundreds of collapsed buildings. National and international rescue teams continued their work through the night, while families of the missing remain hopeful survivors will be found.
International Community Rallies Support
The international community has rallied to help Venezuela. According to Venezuelan authorities, 24 countries have sent over 500 metric tons of supplies, more than 2,700 rescue and support personnel, and about 86 canine teams.
Miraculous Rescue of Aaron Levi
Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele shared the rescue of 21-year-old Aaron Levi from a collapsed building in La Guaira. "This rescue was made possible thanks to the coordinated efforts of rescue teams from Venezuela, Mexico, and El Salvador," he said on X. Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, explained that Levi was pulled out after 106 hours trapped under rubble, through a rescue operation that lasted 43 hours.
