In Venezuela, earthquake aftermath reveals scale of tragedy as families search for loved ones
Over 4,300 dead and 50,000 missing after June earthquakes in Venezuela's La Guaira state. Residents criticize slow government response while international rescuers work to recover bodies.
The smell of decay hangs over the coastal state of La Guaira, Venezuela, as rescue teams continue to recover bodies two weeks after back-to-back earthquakes struck in June. The death toll has climbed past 4,300, and the United Nations estimates that 50,000 people are missing. The Qatar International Search and Rescue Group, alongside the Syrian White Helmets, are assisting in the efforts.
Janet Viana, 72, is searching for her son's body in a collapsed tower. She said the government has not provided any heavy machinery or assistance to recover the bodies inside, and plans to demolish the building in a few days. "I hope to get my son's body back before they tear it down. That's all I hope for. What else can we hope for when there's been no response?" she asked.
Javier Villegas, 30, has been searching for his aunt daily. He said about 38 bodies are trapped in a leaning building, but the government "won't send anyone in because they will be at risk." He added, "I haven't lost hope that she will be rescued alive. It's been nine days now. All we see is decay, but we're still fighting to get our loved ones out."
Governor Jose Alejandro Teran claimed the government's response was immediate and that workers rescued over 6,000 people. However, many residents said they had to conduct rescues themselves without state help.
Quicklime has been used extensively to mask the smell of decomposing bodies. During one recovery, a man approached journalists and asked them not to broadcast images of a woman's remains. "She is my mother," he said, wanting to protect her dignity.
