The death toll from the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela last Wednesday has surpassed 1,450, according to the latest figures released today by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez.
According to the new official tally, at least 1,450 have been killed, 5,034 have been injured, and 15,866 have been left homeless.
Authorities fear the number of victims could rise further, as more than 50,000 people remain missing following the twin earthquakes, which had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
Building collapses in seconds
New footage released on Monday captured the terrifying moments experienced by residents during Wednesday’s devastating double earthquake.
while a building across from them collapses within s
Meanwhile, a 4.6-magnitude aftershock struck north of Caracas on Monday morning, causing renewed alarm in Venezuela almost five days after two powerful earthquakes caused widespread destruction across the country.In the video, people are seen trying to reach an open area as the ground begins shaking violently. Several struggle to remain standing and fall to the ground, while a building across from them collapses within seconds.
Powerful aftershock rattles Caracas
According to Reuters and AFP, the tremor was felt shortly after 7:00 a.m. local time in both the capital, Caracas, and the coastal city of La Guaira.
At the time of the aftershock, rescue teams were still searching for survivors believed to be trapped beneath the rubble of buildings that collapsed during last Wednesday’s deadly earthquakes.
21-year-old rescued alive after 106 hours under rubble
In a rare moment of hope, a 21-year-old man was pulled alive from the rubble in Venezuela’s La Guaira state after an extremely difficult rescue operation involving teams from Venezuela, Mexico and El Salvador.
El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, said Aaron Levi Cantillo Vargas was found alive beneath the ruins in the city of Caraballeda after being trapped for 106 hours.
According to Bukele, the operation was especially complex because rescuers had to work through a blocked and unstable passage before they could reach the trapped 21-year-old.
Following his successful rescue, the young man was transported for specialized medical care. The president of El Salvador stated that rescue teams will continue their efforts in the hope of locating other survivors.
For her part, Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, stated that the rescue operation lasted a total of 43 hours, while the 21-year-old remained trapped under the rubble for 106 hours.
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