The situation in northern Venezuela is simply devastating after more than a week has passed since the start of the protests. double earthquake that shook the foundations of the country. With magnitudes of 7,2 and 7,5, these phenomena have left a deep wound in the territory, raising the number of deaths up to 3.535 According to the latest reports from local authorities, the atmosphere in the streets is one of total uncertainty, while rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate any survivors among the tons of concrete that were once homes.
For Spain, this tragedy has a particularly bitter undertone due to the close ties between the two countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already confirmed that 35 compatriots have lost their lives in the disaster, while the number of Spaniards missing has reached 140. The anguish of families on the peninsula is palpable, especially knowing that there are still eleven Spanish citizens believed to be missing. trapped under the rubbleThis keeps rescue units on edge, working against the clock.
The response of Spanish cooperation and the START team
Faced with the magnitude of the disaster, the Spanish government has not stood idly by and has sent the contingent from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, popularly known as the "red vests." These professionals have managed to set up a response in record time. top-tier field hospital to alleviate the strain on local healthcare facilities. This team is made up of more than 40 volunteers, including doctors, nurses, and firefighters, who are already treating those affected in Caracas and surrounding areas with a dedication that President Pedro Sánchez himself has praised.
In addition to on-site medical assistance, a repatriation operation has been organized for the Spaniards who have survived the catastrophe in Venezuela so they can return home as soon as possible. A flight arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already transported 92 Spanish citizens return to national territory, offering a small respite amidst so much chaos. International solidarity doesn't stop there, as countries like Mexico and Argentina have also sent ships and brigades to to join forces in the removal of rubble and the distribution of urgent humanitarian aid.
Devastation in La Guaira and the epicenters of the tragedy
The state of La Guaira has undoubtedly borne the brunt of this double earthquake, becoming the epicenter of the suffering. Images coming from the coast show an unrecognizable landscape where 190 buildings have collapsed Completely, leaving the port transformed into a makeshift morgue to expedite the identification of the bodies. Despite the grim situation, there have been some moments that seem like true miracles, such as the rescue of a three-year-old boy who held on for almost six days under the ruins from a building in Los Corales before being located by Jordanian rescuers.
The country's infrastructure has been seriously compromised, with nearly 10.000 buildings suffering varying degrees of damage, according to analyses by the European Copernicus service. Meanwhile, the population faces a critical food shortage and drinking water, which has led many residents to take to the streets to demand faster official aid. To try to mitigate this impact, the creation of a multi-million euro fund has been announced for the construction of new homes in areas that science considers safe, thus avoiding repeating past mistakes in areas of high seismic risk.
The return to normalcy is expected to be a long and arduous road, given the continued aftershocks, with nearly a thousand recorded since the main event. Telephone operators are attempting to re-establish contact using satellite technology so that those affected can get through. communicate with your loved onesWhile the seven-day national mourning period marks a time for reflection on the vulnerability of recent constructions, the collective effort between Venezuelan authorities and the The international community remains vital to ensure that the thousands of people who have been left homeless receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives after this blow from nature.
