A fresh 4.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Venezuela’s northern coast on Friday, just days after twin powerful earthquakes devastated parts of the country, killing hundreds and leaving widespread destruction.
The latest tremor was felt in the capital, Caracas, and the city of Maracay, according to Reuters witnesses. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre confirmed the quake had a magnitude of 4.9.
The new earthquake comes as emergency crews continue searching for survivors following the devastating twin quakes that struck earlier in the week. Rescue operations have been complicated by damaged infrastructure, unstable buildings and continuing aftershocks.
Authorities have warned that the death toll is expected to rise as search teams reach more affected areas. International rescue teams and humanitarian aid have also arrived to support overwhelmed local responders.
The latest tremor has heightened concerns among residents already coping with the aftermath of one of the country’s worst natural disasters in recent history, with fears that further aftershocks could endanger weakened buildings and hamper rescue efforts.