Metro de Caracas Suspends Service After New Earthquake Raises Aftershock Fears

The Metro de Caracas suspended service again on Monday morning after a new earthquake shook northern Venezuela, reigniting concerns about infrastructure safety following last week's devastating double quake. The suspension was ordered to allow inspection of the system, which had only resumed operations the previous day Source: Infobae.

Differing Magnitudes

Officials reported conflicting magnitudes for the Monday tremor. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a magnitude 4.6 quake at a depth of 10 km, while Venezuela's Funvisis reported magnitude 4.2 at a very shallow 2.9 km depth Source: El Nacional. A second, smaller tremor of magnitude 2.7 followed about 18 minutes later Source: El Nacional. Both sources agree the epicenter was near La Guaira, the area hardest-hit by the earlier earthquakes.

The Broader Tragedy

The new tremor comes five days after a double earthquake (magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5) that killed at least 1,450 people and injured 3,150, according to official figures Source: Infobae, El Nacional. However, the UN estimates over 50,000 people remain missing and total affected could reach 7 million Source: El Nacional. The 72-hour rescue window has passed, shifting efforts to body recovery. Officials say no new damage was reported from Monday's quake Source: Infobae.