30/06/2026 16:10 - Internacionales
Yaya Peñaloza is living through hours of anguish from Argentina, where she has resided for eight years after emigrating from Venezuela, while she waits for any news about her father. He remains missing after the 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026. Her father lived in La Gabarra, a coastal town near Caracas, and was inside the homonymous 11-story building when the quake hit. The structure collapsed completely, and his whereabouts remain unknown.
Context for international readers: Venezuela is a South American nation facing a prolonged humanitarian crisis. Argentina, neighboring country to the south, has become home to millions of Venezuelan migrants fleeing economic and political instability. La Gabarra is located in the state of La Guaira, approximately 30 kilometers from Caracas, the capital.
In the most affected zones such as Caracas, La Guaira, and La Gabarra, rescue operations are being carried out primarily by family members, volunteers, and social organizations. Peñaloza reported that there is a severe shortage of heavy machinery and professional specialized equipment. Those working on the ground insist on the urgent need for specialized teams to remove debris safely.
Removing rubble without technical knowledge can cause new collapses and endanger both potential survivors and those participating in the rescue, Peñaloza explained in an interview with Diario Época, an Argentine news outlet. The humanitarian situation in Venezuela was already delicate before the earthquake due to ongoing healthcare and public services crises.
Peñaloza warned about the circulation of unverified information on social media, which increases uncertainty among families waiting for news. She also urged extreme caution regarding fraudulent fundraising campaigns. Among the organizations providing reliable assistance are:
The recommendation is to make donations only through official channels.
| Date | June 24, 2026 |
| Magnitude | 7.2 and 7.5 |
| Confirmed deaths | +1,719 |
| Injured | +5,000 |
| Missing | 50,000-70,000 |
| Affected buildings | 855 (189 collapsed) |
| Countries providing aid | 24 |
Argentina sent 26 military personnel, canine units, doctors, water purification plants, tents, and kitchen kits. More than 2,741 rescuers from 24 countries are working on the ground alongside 137 specialized search dogs.
Despite the magnitude of the tragedy, rescue teams continue to find survivors. Among the most moving rescues are a father and son found alive after four days under the rubble (by teams from France and the USA), a 18-day-old baby together with the mother rescued after 32 hours, and Aarón Levi Cantillo Vargas (21 years old) rescued after 106 hours by teams from Venezuela, Mexico, and El Salvador.
The Argentine dog Bart, part of the contingent sent by Argentina, located two minors alive under the rubble in La Guaira, demonstrating the vital value of canine units in these operations.
Context: The earthquakes of June 24, 2026 in Venezuela (magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5) caused an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. La Guaira is the most affected zone with 774 damaged buildings. Pope Leo XIV donated 100,000 euros, Spanish Caritas mobilized 300,000 euros, and China donated 100 million yuan (approximately 14.7 million dollars). The USA doubled its aid to 300 million dollars.
Source: Information based on reports from Diario Época and official international aid organizations. For more details, visit the official channels of the Red Cross, UNHCR, or CAF.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
