Venezuela is jolted by hefty aftershock

A STRONG aftershock jolted Venezuela yesterday, following last week's devastating back-to-back earthquakes, as civilians and emergency responders continued to search for survivors in the ruins of fallen buildings.

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The aftershock, which struck about 17 miles north of Caraballeda, on Venezuela's Caribbean coast, at 7.01am local time, measured 4.6 on the Richter scale, according to the United States Geological Survey. Colombia's geological survey put the magnitude at 5.1.

Jorge Rodriguez, leader of the Venezuelan National Assembly, said there were no immediate reports of additional damage from the quake, which sent residents in the capital city, Caracas, screaming into the streets.