New Delhi: A strong aftershock struck Venezuela early Monday, rattling areas devastated by last week’s twin earthquakes as rescue teams continued searching through the rubble of collapsed buildings for survivors.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the aftershock struck at 7:01 a.m. local time, about 27 kilometres (17 miles) north of the coastal town of Caraballeda, with a magnitude of 4.6. However, Colombia’s Geological Survey measured it at magnitude 5.1.

Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, said there were no immediate reports of additional damage from the aftershock, which sent residents rushing into the streets of the capital, Caracas.

“Here we are again, back in the street. I don’t know when we’ll have a moment of true peace,” said 51-year-old Concepción Hernández, who evacuated her apartment building in Caracas’ Chacao municipality, according to the Associated Press.

Monday’s aftershock was also felt in the heavily damaged port city of La Guaira, where local and international rescue teams have been working around the clock since the twin earthquakes struck five days ago.

The Venezuelan government has reported 1,450 deaths from the earthquakes but is facing growing criticism over what many residents describe as a slow and inadequate response, with civilian volunteers leading many rescue operations. Thousands of people are still reported missing.

Although the chances of finding survivors diminish with each passing hour, rescuers have continued to pull some people alive from the debris, offering hope to families waiting anxiously for news. Experts say the first 48 to 72 hours after a major earthquake are the most critical for rescue operations, although survival is possible for longer if trapped victims have access to food and water.

Delcy Rodríguez said late Sunday that search operations would continue despite the passage of the critical rescue window. According to the government, more than 2,600 rescue workers from around the world, along with trained search dogs and specialised equipment, have joined the relief efforts.