Third Earthquake Strikes Venezuela as Death Toll Climbs to 920

Caracas: Venezuela has been hit by another earthquake, intensifying the humanitarian crisis caused by two powerful quakes earlier this week. A 4.9-magnitude tremor struck the country’s northern coastal region, triggering fresh panic among residents already coping with widespread destruction.

According to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the latest earthquake occurred about 61 kilometers northwest of Maracay. Tremors were felt across Maracay and the capital, Caracas, prompting many people to rush out of buildings as a precaution.

The latest quake comes after two major earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday, causing extensive damage to homes, public infrastructure, and commercial buildings. The confirmed death toll has now risen to at least 920, while more than 3,300 people have been injured. Officials are still assessing the full extent of the destruction, and the number of casualties could increase.

Rescue teams continue searching through collapsed buildings for survivors. Families are desperately looking for missing relatives, with many residents using their own hands and basic tools to remove debris before emergency crews arrive. Videos shared on social media show the scale of devastation and the emotional scenes unfolding across affected communities.

Authorities have faced criticism over delays in reaching some of the hardest-hit areas. Disaster response experts stress that the first 48 to 72 hours after a major earthquake are critical for rescuing people trapped beneath rubble, making rapid deployment of rescue teams essential.

Meanwhile, international support is growing. More than two dozen rescue teams from several countries have arrived in Venezuela with specialized equipment and trained personnel to assist local authorities in search, rescue, and relief operations.