‘A nightmare’: Strugging with the aftermath of Venezuela’s earthquakes | Earthquakes News
Caracas, Venezuela – A week after twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, the nation is beginning to grapple with the aftermath of the disaster.
As of Friday, officials have confirmed 2,645 fatalities from the two earthquakes that hit on June 24, recording magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, and occurring minutes apart. Rescue efforts continue, exacerbated by the fact that as many as 38,500 individuals remain unaccounted for. The Venezuelan government has reportedly ordered 10,000 body bags to assist in the recovery process, according to the United Nations.
Search and rescue teams, including both international and local volunteers, are working tirelessly to navigate through the rubble in hopes of locating survivors. Many volunteers are equipped with basic tools and work late into the night.
In La Guaira, one of the most severely affected areas, numerous high-rise buildings have collapsed. The lingering smell of decay permeates the coastal city as vultures circle overhead. Residents watch anxiously, some praying for miracles while others seek closure, hoping to recover the bodies of their loved ones.
With thousands displaced from their homes, public parks and squares are being used as makeshift encampments for survivors.
Among those affected, frustration is growing. Some residents have voiced accusations against the government for the construction of inadequate public housing and for failing to meet essential safety standards. Critics also highlight perceived systemic corruption within the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, which has been in power for over 25 years, suggesting it has contributed to the poor infrastructure that exacerbated the disaster’s effects.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has defended the government’s response, claiming that there was no opportunity for a more rapid reaction.
Survivors continue to share their experiences from the disaster and express their feelings regarding the government’s actions in its wake.