06/07/2026 15:13 - Internacionales
On June 24, 2026, two massive earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 struck the La Guaira region in Venezuela. As reported by local media and authorities on July 6, 2026, the official death toll confirms 3,342 fatalities, 16,740 injured, and an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 people missing. The region has experienced 995 aftershocks, and over 12,800 people are currently staying in temporary shelters.
Context for international readers: La Guaira is a coastal state in Venezuela, serving as the main port and gateway to Caracas, the nation's capital. The region is historically vulnerable to seismic activity due to its proximity to tectonic plate boundaries.
The solidarity and professionalism of the rescue teams keep the faith alive for thousands of families. On July 6, 2026, young Argentine boy Lucas Gámez turns 9 years old while trapped under the rubble of the Miramar building in Caraballeda, La Guaira.
Leading the search operations is Guillermo Arana Leyton, an expert rescuer from the Argentine province of Mendoza who participated in the historic rescue of the 33 miners in Chile. According to a report by Clarín, Arana Leyton stated that despite extreme conditions, they have not lost hope.
In a touching display of solidarity, Carlos Páez, a survivor of the famous 1972 Andes flight disaster involving a Uruguayan rugby team, sent an emotional video message to Blanca Martínez, Lucas's mother: 'I believe your fight is worth it, the faith you put into it is worth it,' he expressed, moving everyone who watched it.
In the midst of the pain, miraculous stories emerge to light the way. Fabiana Blanco, a 12-year-old girl, was rescued after spending 32 hours trapped in the kitchen of her collapsed home. She told international media she survived by eating grated cheese and ketchup.
Her photo, showing her smiling amidst the debris, has circulated on social media as a symbol of resilience. Her message to the Venezuelan people is clear: 'Keep smiling.'
As reported by BBC Mundo, the port of Los Silos has become an improvised morgue where families try to identify their loved ones. It is a heartbreaking scene, but the accompaniment of volunteers offers some comfort: 'It is good to feel someone's hand,' a relative told the BBC.
The acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, promised housing solutions before the end of the year for the more than 17,000 people who lost their homes, and announced changes to her cabinet to lead the reconstruction efforts.
Argentina has been one of the most present countries, sending 16 tons of humanitarian aid and specialized brigades that have already begun to return after fulfilling their mission. The airline Iberia announced it will resume its flights starting July 9, marking a step towards normalization.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
