New 4.9-magnitude quake rattles Venezuela as twin-earthquake death toll hits 920
India launches Operation Amistad. (Image courtesy: X/@DrSJaishankar)
New Delhi: A fresh earthquake of 4.9 magnitude struck off Venezuela’s northern coast on Friday, even as the death toll from the twin earthquakes that devastated the country earlier this week climbed to at least 920, with 3,360 people injured, according to the latest official figures.
The new tremor comes just days after Venezuela was rocked by back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, which flattened buildings and crippled critical infrastructure across the country. Search and rescue operations are continuing in the worst-hit areas, including La Guaira and Caracas.
The latest quake struck off Venezuela’s northern coast on Friday afternoon, according to Reuters, as authorities said 172 people remain trapped in rubble and more than 50,000 are still reported missing. The twin earthquakes have left thousands homeless and caused widespread destruction, making this one of Venezuela’s deadliest natural disasters in over a century.
India launches Operation Amistad
India has launched Operation Amistad, a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission, to support Venezuela in the aftermath of the earthquakes. The Ministry of External Affairs said the mission reflects India’s solidarity with the Venezuelan people during this difficult time.
Two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft departed for Venezuela on June 26, carrying a 41-member rescue and medical team along with humanitarian relief supplies. The consignment includes 30 tonnes of relief material, six tonnes of medicines and medical equipment, two BHISHM Cube portable hospitals, and a self-contained Indian Army field hospital for emergency medical care.
The rescue team will assist Venezuelan authorities with search-and-rescue operations, emergency treatment, and humanitarian relief. India also extended condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones and said it stands ready to provide further assistance if needed.
Countries around the world rush aid to Venezuela
The United Nations has mobilised 25 international rescue teams comprising nearly 1,000 personnel to support relief operations. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said the coming days would demand a massive global response.
The United States has pledged $150 million in humanitarian assistance and dispatched disaster response teams, urban search-and-rescue units, and logistical support.
The Dominican Republic was the first country to send rescue teams to the affected region. El Salvador deployed more than 150 rescue workers, while Mexico sent military rescue personnel, search dogs, aircraft, and emergency supplies.
Several European nations – including Spain, Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland – have deployed rescue teams, firefighters, engineers, medical personnel, and trained search dogs.
Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama have also sent rescue missions and humanitarian assistance. The International Federation of the Red Cross has begun transporting emergency supplies, while World Central Kitchen is distributing meals to survivors. The Vatican’s charity fund has also contributed €100,000 to relief efforts on behalf of Pope Leo XIV.
