05/07/2026 22:17 - Internacionales
On June 24, 2026, the northern coast of Venezuela experienced an unprecedented tragedy. Two massive earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 struck the region, causing the collapse of 190 structures and leaving thousands of families in dire need. According to official figures as of July 5, 2026, there are 3,342 confirmed deaths and 16,740 injured, while the UN estimates between 50,000 and 70,000 people missing. For context, the epicenter was near La Guaira, the main port city just a few miles from Caracas, the country's capital.
As reported by CNN en Español, Stephanie Villegas survived a ten-hour odyssey after being buried in La Guaira. While descending the stairs of a fourth-floor apartment building, the quake caused the structure to collapse on her. With multiple fractures in her leg and arm, Stephanie clung to her faith to stay calm: 'I told myself: stay calm, if you are awake, it is because God is going to save you.'
Unable to find rescue teams, her partner climbed a miraculously standing tree to reach the perimeter where she was trapped. With the help of neighbors, they worked from 8:00 PM until midnight to free her. They improvised a stretcher using a door and, after a two-hour journey, managed to get her into a truck. Stephanie entered the hospital at 4:00 AM, where doctors successfully saved her leg from amputation.
BBC Mundo published the heartbreaking story of Nelson Torrealba, who left his seventh-floor apartment in the Ritasol Palace building in La Guaira around 6:00 PM on June 24, 2026, to go shopping. Just three minutes later, the earthquake destroyed his home.
Nelson lost his wife, Dallenyi, and their two sons, Samuel (14 years old) and Matías (10 years old). 'I turned around, and there was nothing left,' he told the BBC, reflecting the pain of thousands of Venezuelans who lost their loved ones in seconds. This account illustrates the brutality of a natural disaster that showed no mercy to families.
Despite the magnitude of the tragedy, international solidarity shines through the darkness. As of July 5, 2026, a total of 3,681 rescuers from 30 countries have worked tirelessly in the affected area. Argentina has been one of the most active nations, sending 16 tons of humanitarian aid and a contingent of over 100 doctors. The miracle of life was made present with the rescue of Hernán Gil (43 years old), who was found alive after spending 114 hours under the rubble in La Guaira. The resilience of the Venezuelan people and the global community's support keep the flame of hope alive.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
