Volunteers conduct search operations in a building damaged by an earthquake in La Guaira, Venezuela, on Monday. National and international rescue teams continue their efforts among the ruins of buildings in the coastal state of La Guaira, north of Caracas, the epicenter of devastation caused by 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes. Photo by Ronald Pena R/EPA
June 29 (UPI) -- Five days after the twin earthquakes that left thousands of victims in Venezuela, rescuers and volunteers said government-imposed restrictions are hindering operations to search for survivors, as a magnitude 4.6 aftershock struck the country again Monday.
The complaints began after Interior, Justice and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello announced restrictions on access to La Guaira state, the area hardest hit by the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes that struck Wednesday.
Since Friday night, anyone wishing to enter the area to assist has been required to register in Caracas and obtain official authorization, a measure the government said was necessary to ensure the passage of ambulances, heavy machinery and specialized teams.
"Starting today at 8 p.m., access to La Guaira state will be restricted. Anyone wishing to come must comply with the established protocols," Cabello said in remarks broadcast on state television channel VTV.
