In brief
Venezuela’s twin earthquakes devastated La Guaira and Caracas, with more than 1,700 dead and thousands still missing. Government aid was slow and equipment scarce, leading residents and volunteers to take up the rescue effort. International teams from Mexico, El Salvador and others joined the search, while the US, Netherlands and China pledged aid. The crisis exposes the fragile state of disaster response and the resilience of ordinary citizens.
The twin 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes that struck La Guaira on 28 June left thousands collapsed and left more than 1,700 dead. With no rapid government response, many residents took up the mantle of rescue.
In the port city, volunteers used crowbars, mallets and pickaxes to excavate rubble. “The civil protection people decided to help, but they don't have the equipment. They are just like us, working with their hands,” said electrician Ruben Rojas, 32.
Local families such as Carolyn Zerpa, 39, searched for missing relatives by hand. “You can’t really do much with just a pickaxe,” she told an interview, turning her focus from rescue to recovery and burial.
After an early‑morning 4.6‑magnitude aftershock shook La Guaira again, residents reported nerves frayed but no further damage.
The emergency commission announced by Interim President Delcy Rodríguez mobilised 25,000 workers, police and soldiers. She urged the public for “every life saved is a victory for hope,” and cited a colour‑coded traffic light system that will guide safe return to homes.
International teams have also joined rescue operations. A 21‑year‑old man, Aaron Levi Cantillo Vargas, was pulled alive from the rubble of Caraballeda after 100 hours of entrapment, and is receiving specialised medical care.
The United Nations secured 10,000 body bags and continues to track over 500 aftershocks. At least 2,500 structures were damaged on Wednesday, most collapsed.
Global aid rises as the United States announced a $300 million emergency package, targeting food, water, sanitation and shelter. The U.S. military has re-opened the Port of La Guaira to speed delivery, deploying landing craft and a frigate. The Netherlands will send a vessel with emergency supplies and China will provide around $15 million in assistance.
In remote areas, such as El Junquito west of Caracas, residents noted the scarcity of public officials and relied on local supplies. “We are waiting for answers, for debris to be cleaned up, for inspections,” said Keily Ibarra, 33.
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