A 5.6-magnitude earthquake hits Aragua, Venezuela (Photo – AFP)
Another 5.6-magnitude earthquake has struck Venezuela as the Latin American country continues to suffer from two devastating earthquakes that occurred earlier this week, killing more than 1,430 people and injuring thousands.According to the European Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC), the latest earthquake struck the Aragua region in Venezuela, Reuters reported. The new earthquake comes at a time when rescue teams continue to search for survivors amid widespread destruction caused by previous earthquakes.The latest quake comes on the heels of powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday, triggering hundreds of aftershocks, leveling buildings and forcing thousands of people from their homes.The Venezuelan authorities said that the death toll from the two earthquakes rose to 1,430 people, while 3,200 people were injured, and about 3,100 residents were displaced.Officials also said hundreds of people were still missing or trapped under collapsed buildings, while the opposition claimed that more than 54,000 people had been reported missing through an online missing persons database.
The government said about 1,600 foreign rescue personnel have arrived to assist in search and rescue efforts, and teams from several other countries are expected to join the operation.Rescue work is still focused on La Guaira, one of the worst-hit coastal towns, where residents and volunteers have complained of a lack of heavy equipment and delays in reaching collapsed buildings.The authorities have also restricted access to the affected areas to ensure emergency vehicles can move freely.According to the United Nations, nearly 7 million people could be affected by the disaster, while direct economic losses are estimated at $6.7 billion.Power supplies were gradually restored in many affected areas, although power outages continued near the epicenter and in parts of La Guaira. The Venezuelan government said that about 60% of electricity has now been restored in the affected areas.