Venezuelans Search Earthquake Ruins as Aftershock Rattles Disaster Zone

VENEZUELA – With the window for finding survivors shrinking fast, Venezuelans, on Monday, combed through more ruins of buildings toppled by last week’s powerful back-to-back earthquakes, and a 4.6 magnitude aftershock rumbled through the disaster zone in the northern state of La Guaira.

Relief organizations say the first 72 hours after a natural disaster is the most crucial time period for rescues, though survival can be extended if people have access to food and water.

Five days after the twin quakes struck Northern Venezuela, attention turned to the humanitarian crisis that was taking shape in devastated regions.