Aftershocks Persist, Recovery Underway
Venezuela faces over 300 aftershocks; two new tremors spark panic as La Guaira restores 60% power.
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Venezuela is reeling from its worst seismic crisis in over a century. Two new aftershocks struck early on June 27, sending people fleeing into the streets of Caracas and La Guaira — and pushing the total aftershock count past 300 since the original disaster on June 24, according to Funvisis.
The crisis began with a rare "doublet" earthquake — two powerful quakes (magnitude 7.2 and 7.5) hitting less than one minute apart — that devastated Venezuela's north-central coast. The confirmed death toll has climbed to 920, with 3,360 injured and tens of thousands missing, according to EFE and Associated Press.
Two New Tremors Spark Fresh Panic on June 27
At 06:55 local time on June 27, a magnitude 3.8 aftershock rattled Caracas and La Guaira. Just 11 minutes later, a magnitude 3.0 tremor followed. Residents ran into the streets, some still in pajamas, according to El Nacional. Buildings already weakened by the main quakes shook again, raising fears of further collapses.
Scientists at Funvisis describe the 300-plus aftershocks as a "natural readjustment of the tectonic plates." But they warn that tremors could continue for weeks. Structures already damaged by the original doublet are especially vulnerable, El Nacional reported.
Delcy Rodríguez Leads Crisis Response From Ground Zero
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez delivered a televised address at 01:00 on June 27 from the Central Command Post. She confirmed that 60% of power has been restored to La Guaira — the state designated as "Ground Zero." "These first 72 hours are vital for saving lives," she said, according to TeleSUR.
The government has deployed 14,000 military and police officers to La Guaira, according to Associated Press. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed that all entry to the zone requires prior registration to manage emergency logistics. Rodríguez also warned of sanitary risks, as a high number of victims remain buried under rubble.
A Doublet Earthquake Not Seen Since 1900
The USGS describes the June 24 event as a "doublet earthquake" — one fault rupture triggering a second, nearly simultaneous quake. The two strikes (Mw 7.2 at 18:04 and Mw 7.5 at 18:05 local time) hit near San Felipe, Yaracuy. It is the most powerful seismic activity recorded in Venezuela since 1900, surpassing the deadly 1967 Caracas earthquake, according to The Guardian.
Venezuela's north-central coast sits on the boundary between the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates. The San Sebastian and El Pilar fault systems have long been flagged as high-risk. But the scale of this doublet overwhelmed modern infrastructure, according to RTVE.
International Aid Pours In as Rescue Clock Ticks Down
Rescue teams from Spain and Italy arrived on June 26, joining earlier aid from Colombia and the Dominican Republic, according to RTVE. Spain confirmed five of its nationals died, with 133 still missing, said Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, according to Cadena SER. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni dispatched elite rescue units to the hardest-hit coastal towns.
The UN Migration Agency (IOM) warned that up to 6.8 million people could be affected by the disaster's ripple effects, including mass displacement. Meanwhile, the US confirmed a major USAID package after a high-level call between President Trump and Rodríguez, according to Notitarde. Volunteers by the hundreds registered at the Poliedro de Caracas to join relief efforts, according to Univision.
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