Venezuelans hold minute of silence one month after tremors

Venezuelans across the quake zone and in the capital Caracas held a minute of silence Friday to honor victims of the tremors that struck last month, AFP journalists observed.

Dozens of rescue volunteers and family members searching for their relatives paused their work at a decimated building in Tanaguarena, La Guaira, to observe the tribute.

Before the minute of silence at 6:04 pm (2204 GMT), a woman recited prayers and clutched rosary beads in front of a makeshift altar bearing toys and stuffed animals.

The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors on June 24 killed almost 5,400 people and injured almost 17,000 more.

Hundreds of buildings were pulverized and more than 23,000 people were left homeless.

Social media posts called on Venezuelans to join in the moment of silence, which took place around the worst-hit state of La Guaira and in squares across Caracas.

Families and friends continue to search for their loved ones under the wreckage.