Strong aftershock terrifies Venezuelans days after devastating twin quakes

A strong aftershock rattled northern Venezuela early on Monday, sending people into the streets five days after the twin earthquakes that killed 1,719 people, left tens of thousands missing and triggered a growing humanitarian emergency. The US Geological Survey measured the aftershock at magnitude 4.6 and it shook Caracas and La Guaira; Colombia’s geological survey put it at 5.1.

Jorge Rodríguez said there were no immediate reports of new damage, but sirens and renewed trembling brought fresh panic, and Amarelis Mendoza said she was woken by shaking that felt almost as strong as Wednesday’s quake. In the hardest-hit areas, including Altamira and San Bernardino, people poured onto the streets from makeshift shelters, many sleeping outside apartment buildings or in tents along sidewalks for fear of further collapses.

Venezuela, Caracas; La Guaira; northern Venezuela

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