Another Tremor Hits Venezuela Following Deadly Twin Quakes Claimed Over 900 Lives

Caracas: The people of Venezuela had not yet recovered from the devastation of the last earthquake when the earth shook again on Friday. A new earthquake of 4.9 magnitude occurred in the northern coastal area of the country. The already scared people again ran into the streets. Chairs and tables also shook in the capital, Caracas, and Maracay. Due to frequent earthquakes, the work of the rescue workers is getting hampered.

What if an earthquake occurs during the rescue work?

While the work of removing the debris was going on, the ground shook again. The teams had to stop work immediately. There was a question of the lives of the rescuers. The officers announced on the mike – no one should go near the broken buildings. Out of fear, people ran away into the open fields with their wives and children. Someone sat under a tree, someone spent the night in the car.

How dangerous was the earthquake two days ago?

The apocalypse had already arrived two days ago. Two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 wiped out cities. Buildings fell like a deck of cards. The government count says 920 people died. More than 3,360 are in hospital. Hundreds are still buried under the debris. 50 thousand people are missing, there is no trace of them. 

What problems are the rescue teams facing?

Roads are broken, phones are switched off, and JCB cranes are not available. Army and volunteers are deployed, but how can the debris be removed without machines? At many places, people are crying and removing bricks and stones with their own hands. They are ready to pay double the money to the crane owner, but the crane is not available.

What is the condition in the hospital and camps?

There is no space to set foot in hospitals. Doctors and nurses are available 24 hours a day, yet the patients are not keeping well. Treatment is being done by lying on the floor. Those whose houses collapsed are living in schools and tents. The government is distributing food and water, but there are so many people that the line does not end. Medicines are in short supply, children are suffering from fever.

How much loss did the country suffer due to this disaster?

Loss of billions of dollars is certain. Factories closed, shops destroyed, roads lying in ruins. People are cursing the government that help is arriving late. The victims are shouting – we need home, food, medicine. Experts are saying that it will take a year for everything to get fixed. Right now every minute is precious. If someone is alive under the debris, there is only one hope left.