Families of earthquake victims in La Guaira, Venezuela, are calling for an end to the demolition of unstable buildings to recover trapped bodies. The request follows two major earthquakes on June 24 that killed at least 3,535 people and injured 16,740, according to Parliament President Jorge Rodríguez.
Why are families demanding a halt to demolitions?
Residents in the most devastated areas argue that demolishing buildings at the brink of collapse prevents them from finding missing relatives. Michell Gutiérrez, 30, told EFE that families can’t allow demolitions while so many bodies remain to be rescued, whether alive or dead.
Gutiérrez is currently searching for her father in a building located in Catia La Mar. She and other residents have reported a lack of government assistance, noting that international rescue groups, including a team from Mexico, were the primary responders in the area.
What is the current death toll and number of missing persons?
According to the latest bulletin from Parliament President Jorge Rodríguez, the death toll stands at at least 3,535 people, with 16,740 reported injured. While authorities have provided a digital platform and phone number to report the missing, they haven’t released updated figures for people in unknown locations since June 25.
In contrast, the citizen-led initiative ‘Desaparecidos Terremoto Venezuela’ has recorded more than 30,200 people with whom contact has not been established. This discrepancy highlights the scale of the disappearance crisis following the disaster.
How are the search and rescue efforts being conducted?
Officials from the Armed Forces, Civil Protection, and other agencies are working to identify which buildings must be demolished and which are safe to inhabit across seven affected states. However, some residents claim that militarized police haven’t provided support to those in need.
Iryuri Wisi, who is searching for her sister, brother-in-law, and two nephews, expressed frustration over the lack of aid. Wisi criticized Delcy Rodríguez regarding the level of assistance provided to the community.
What might happen as demolition efforts continue?
The ongoing identification of unstable structures may lead to further confrontations between residents and demolition crews. If the demolition process proceeds without addressing the concerns of families, the search for missing persons could become even more difficult.
As many international rescue teams have already departed, the responsibility for clearing debris is likely to fall heavily on Venezuelan volunteers, firefighters, national civil defense, and local neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have been reported dead in the earthquakes?
At least 3,535 people have died, according to the latest bulletin from Parliament President Jorge Rodríguez.
Where is the earthquake damage most severe?
La Guaira is identified as the most devastated zone.
How many people are reported missing by citizen groups?
The ‘Desaparecidos Terremoto Venezuela’ website has registered more than 30,200 people who cannot be contacted.
How should authorities balance the need for structural safety with the search for missing loved ones?
