Aftershock shakes Caracas as Venezuela quake toll tops 1,450; EU and China send aid
A strong aftershock struck Caracas and La Guaira on Monday morning, five days after a double earthquake killed at least 1,450 people and left tens of thousands missing. The European Union and China have pledged emergency humanitarian aid.
The double earthquake and its toll
On Wednesday, June 24, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela's coastal state of La Guaira and the capital Caracas. The provisional death toll ranges from 1,450 to 1,500 according to government figures, with tens of thousands still missing. Rescue operations face severe challenges: 774 buildings were damaged and 189 collapsed entirely, according to official sources. The disaster struck an economy already weakened by years of crisis, with analysts warning of a heavy economic toll on top of the humanitarian one. Among the dead are the wife and two children of Lucas Trejo, an Argentine footballer for local second-division side Maritimo La Guaira.
Monday aftershock
Five days after the initial disaster, a strong aftershock hit Caracas and La Guaira on Monday, June 29, shortly after 7 a.m. local time (11:00 GMT). The tremor rattled already damaged buildings and heightened fear among residents. No additional casualties were immediately reported.
- Two powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela, killing at least 1,450 and damaging hundreds of buildings.
- A strong aftershock shakes Caracas and La Guaira.
- European Commission announces €5 million emergency aid.
- China pledges 100 million yuan in aid and satellite imagery.
International aid response
The international community began mobilizing assistance. The European Commission announced on Monday a €5 million emergency aid package, prioritizing shelter and healthcare for affected communities. China's foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that Beijing is sending 100 million yuan (approximately €12.9 million) in emergency supplies, along with satellite imagery to support rescue efforts.
The aid will be delivered as soon as possible. China is ready to provide further support as the situation evolves.
- European Union
- 5 € million
- China
- 12.9 € million
Looting and desperation
In the devastated areas, looting has broken out, with survivors taking goods from collapsed stores and pharmacies. Videos circulating on social media show people passing boxes of appliances from a ruined shop, and others loading goods onto vehicles. Accusations have also surfaced against police and soldiers allegedly stealing from homes and from the dead. Residents describe a mix of opportunism and sheer desperation brought on by loss and long-standing economic hardship.
Some, like Jenifer Mayora, 34, say store owners gave permission to take necessities, as no official aid has arrived.They even took the wallpaper off the walls. They took everything, including the cables.
The government has restricted access to La Guaira, requiring military-issued passes.I have been waiting a while for a mattress so my children can sleep.
