The people of Venezuela awoke to renewed fear Monday morning as a powerful aftershock shook areas already devastated by last week’s twin earthquakes, while rescue teams continued their desperate search for survivors beneath the rubble.
According to the Associated Press, the aftershock struck at approximately 7:01 a.m. local time just north of Caraballeda along Venezuela’s Caribbean coast. The United States Geological Survey measured the earthquake at magnitude 4.6, while Colombia’s geological survey recorded it as magnitude 5.1.
The tremor sent frightened residents rushing into the streets once again.
“Here we are again, back in the street. I don’t know when we’ll have a moment of true peace,” Concepción Hernández, a Caracas resident, told the Associated Press after evacuating her apartment building.
The aftershock also rattled La Guaira, one of the regions hardest hit by the original earthquakes, where rescue workers continue searching collapsed buildings despite the passing of the critical first days following the disaster.
According to the Associated Press, Venezuela’s government has reported 1,450 deaths, while thousands of people remain missing. More than 2,600 rescue workers from around the world have joined local emergency crews, bringing specialized search dogs and heavy equipment to aid recovery efforts. Government officials have pledged that the search for survivors will continue even as hopes diminish with each passing day.
As Venezuela mourns, Pope Leo XIV has urged Catholics around the world to unite in prayer for those affected.
Speaking during Sunday’s Angelus, the Holy Father expressed his closeness to the suffering nation.
“I wish to express my closeness to the Venezuelan sisters and brothers affected by the recent earthquakes that have caused numerous victims and injured, as well as great material damages,” Pope Leo said, according to Vatican News.
He continued, “As we pray to the Lord for the eternal repose of the deceased, I renew my spiritual closeness to their families, the injured, and those struck by this tragedy. At the same time, I express my gratitude and support to those who are generously carrying out search and rescue efforts.”
The Pope also called upon the international community not to forget Venezuela during its time of need.
“We assure our prayers for the victims, their families, and all those suffering the consequences of this tragedy,” he said following the Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals. “We ask that the solidarity of the international community may not be lacking toward that dear nation,” according to Vatican News.
The Holy See has already responded with concrete assistance. Vatican News reports that Pope Leo XIV authorized an initial donation of €100,000 through the Apostolic Almoner’s Office to provide emergency relief. The aid is being coordinated with the Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela, Archbishop Alberto Ortega Martín, and the Archbishop of Caracas, Archbishop Raúl Biord Castillo.
Across Venezuela, Catholic parishes and Caritas organizations have also opened their doors to shelter displaced families and provide emergency assistance to those who have lost homes and loved ones.
Even amid continued aftershocks and heartbreaking loss, rescue crews remain at work, while the Church continues to offer both practical support and the hope found in prayer.
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