An aftershock measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale struck the central coast of Venezuela this Saturday at 2:20 PM local time, as confirmed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
This tremor comes just four days after two powerful earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 hit the northern region on June 24, marking the most intense seismic activity registered in Venezuela since 1900.
The epicenter of Saturday's aftershock was pinpointed at coordinates 10.78°N and 67.59°W, near the Venezuelan coastline, approximately 38 kilometers from La Guaira, 66 kilometers from Los Teques, and 97 kilometers from Isla Ratón, according to data from SGC.
There is a technical discrepancy between sources: while SGC's official bulletin indicates a shallow depth of less than 30 kilometers—which typically increases surface shaking—media outlets UHN Plus and N+ reported a depth of 111 kilometers.
This earthquake was felt in various parts of the country, including Maracaibo, where residents took to social media to report the tremor and quickly contacted relatives to ensure their safety.
As of now, Venezuelan authorities have not reported any injuries or property damage from this latest shake, although assessments are ongoing in areas where the tremor was noticeable.
The Funvisis (Venezuelan Foundation for Seismological Research) has recorded more than 300 aftershocks since June 24, including 20 that occurred in the early hours of Saturday. This continuous seismic activity is severely hampering rescue efforts in La Guaira and other affected regions.
This new aftershock occurs amid a humanitarian disaster: Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the National Assembly, announced on Saturday that the official toll from Wednesday's double earthquake stands at 1,430 dead and 3,328 injured.
"At this time... we are accounting for 1,430 brothers and sisters who have tragically lost their lives," Rodríguez stated in a broadcast on the state-run Venezuelan channel.
In La Guaira, the area hardest hit by the main earthquakes, 250 buildings have collapsed, the José María Vargas Hospital has been destroyed, and the Maiquetía International Airport remains closed.
The UN estimates that 6.76 million people have been affected by Wednesday’s earthquakes, with over 50,000 still missing, while the USGS has projected, with a 42% probability, that the final casualty count could range between 10,000 and 100,000 people.
Among the missing are at least 32 Cubans located in La Guaira, including two child siblings from Melena del Sur in Mayabeque. The Cuban regime declared on Saturday that they have no official confirmation of any Cuban nationals being deceased or missing.
Understanding Venezuela's Recent Seismic Activity
What was the magnitude of the most recent aftershock in Venezuela?
The most recent aftershock in Venezuela had a magnitude of 4.8.
How many aftershocks have been recorded since the initial earthquakes?
Since the initial earthquakes, over 300 aftershocks have been recorded, including 20 during the early hours of a recent Saturday.
What is the estimated number of people affected by the earthquakes?
The United Nations estimates that approximately 6.76 million people have been affected by the earthquakes, with over 50,000 missing.
Have any Cubans been reported missing in the aftermath?
Yes, at least 32 Cubans have been reported missing in La Guaira, including two children from Melena del Sur, Mayabeque.