26/06/2026 13:02 - Internacionales
Amid the thousands of tragic stories emerging from the devastating earthquakes of June 24, 2026 in Venezuela, one stands out for its moving heroism. Andrea, wife of footballer Héctor Bello, lost her life while protecting her baby daughter with her body during the collapse of their residential building.
Rescue teams found the baby alive and unharmed thanks to her mother's protective instinct, who reacted moments before the structure gave way. The tragedy left a baby girl motherless before she could even take her first steps.
The footballer from Marítimo de La Guaira, a team in Venezuela's first division, published emotional messages on social media to bid farewell to his wife:
"Andrea, my precious love, why did you leave me alone? This was our fight, mommy", he wrote over a photo of his wife, accompanied by broken hearts and crying emojis.
"You left us alone in this fight, mommy. You left me alone with our daughter", he added alongside a family photo by the Christmas tree.
"Your mommy left us. How do I tell my daughter that? Andrea, how do I explain to your daughter that you lost your life to save hers, and I wasn't there at that moment to do anything?", he questioned in anguish in his final post.
La Guaira is a coastal state near Caracas, Venezuela's capital. It's home to the country's main international airport and popular beaches visited by tourists.
On June 24, 2026, two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 shook Venezuela just 39 seconds apart. The epicenter was located near San Felipe, Yaracuy state, approximately 200 km (125 miles) from Caracas, the nation's capital.
La Guaira state was among the hardest-hit areas, where the Marítimo football club is based. Caraballeda and Playa Grande reported severe structural damage, including collapsed buildings like the one where the Bello family lived.
The preliminary death toll stands at 235 fatalities and more than 4,300 injured, with 2,927 families displaced and 250 buildings affected. These numbers may rise as rescue operations continue.
Given the magnitude of the catastrophe, multiple countries offered assistance. Spain sent 54 rescuers, El Salvador dispatched 300, and Pope Leo XIV donated 100,000 euros to relief efforts. Artists such as Shakira, J. Balvin, Ricky Martin, Carlos Baute, and Danny Ocean called for help for the victims.
International humanitarian organizations are coordinating aid efforts for Venezuela. Those wishing to contribute can contact the Venezuelan Red Cross or international disaster relief organizations.
Sources: El Trece TV (Argentina)
Alfredo S. Quiroga
