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Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 2,295: Public fills state void
At least 2,295 people were killed and more than 11,000 injured in two earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 that struck Venezuela's northern La Guaira state on June 24. With state aid delayed by three days, search, rescue and humanitarian efforts are largely carried out by volunteers and local residents.
Venezuela is struggling to heal the wounds of two consecutive earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 that struck on June 24. Andreina Velasquez, who lived on the sixth floor of an apartment building in the coastal town of Catia la Mar in La Guaira state, north of the capital Caracas, survived because she was not at home during the earthquake.
Velasquez said she had left to get a key made a few hours before the earthquake and felt the first tremor on the beach. The concrete floors of her apartment building were stacked on top of each other "like a house of cards." Describing one neighbor as a quiet, retired man and another as a woman who had recently moved in with her daughter, Velasquez said they were happy with their sea views but were caught in the earthquake.
According to data from the Venezuelan National Assembly, at least 2,295 people died in the double earthquake, and more than 11,000 were injured. The United Nations (UN) warned that the death toll could reach 10,000. Hospitals in the region are operating well beyond capacity, while federal government aid has been delayed in reaching the worst-affected areas.
It was reported that federal aid teams were able to reach Catia la Mar three days after the earthquake, on Sunday, while some parts of La Guaira have still not received aid.
'The state was not the first responder, but the last'
Carolina Jimenez, president of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), drew attention to the absence of the state during the crisis in an assessment given to Al Jazeera. Jimenez said, 'In another country, the state would be the first responder. In Venezuela, the state was the last responder.'
Jimenez emphasized that relief and rescue efforts are largely carried out by citizens, civil society organizations, and volunteers.
Masks and courage: Volunteers on the ground
Struggling with the pain of losing her loved ones, Velasquez began helping by handing out masks to passersby against the dust and smell rising from the rubble. 'I am here every day. Some people came to help, but they don't have hard hats, gloves, or masks. So I am helping,' she said.
Local residents continue rubble removal and first aid efforts despite inadequate equipment. Officials say anger is growing due to the slow functioning of the state mechanism, while the efforts of volunteers remain the only hope for survivors.
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