27/06/2026
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27/06/2026
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CARACAS, June 27: A 4.7-magnitude aftershock struck Venezuela on Friday, rattling communities already devastated by this week's deadly twin earthquakes and raising fears of further seismic activity as rescue operations continue.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the aftershock struck at 10:16 p.m. GMT, with its epicenter located about 54 kilometers (34 miles) north of El Limón at a depth of 10 kilometers.
The tremor was felt across parts of the country, unsettling survivors who have spent days searching for loved ones and sheltering outdoors amid concerns over collapsing buildings.
According to the latest USGS forecast, there is an 8% chance — roughly one in 12 — of an aftershock stronger than magnitude 6.0 occurring within the next week.
The latest quake follows Wednesday's catastrophic seismic event, when two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck just 39 seconds apart, causing widespread destruction across Yaracuy state.
The 7.5-magnitude earthquake was centered about 23 kilometers southeast of Yumare, while the 7.2-magnitude quake struck approximately 24 kilometers northeast of San Felipe, according to the USGS.
The disaster's human toll continues to rise. National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said Friday that 920 people have been confirmed dead, while 3,360 others have been injured.
Emergency crews, aided by international search-and-rescue teams, remain engaged in a race against time to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings and deliver humanitarian assistance to affected communities.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert as aftershocks continue, warning that damaged structures could collapse without warning and that the risk of additional strong tremors remains elevated.
