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Original article: La Guaira bajo desastre: Venezuela moviliza maquinaria, salud y seguridad para asistir a 70 mil familias

The coastal state of La Guaira has been declared a disaster zone due to the extensive structural damage and loss of life caused by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 that struck Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24. In response, the Venezuelan Government has initiated a massive civic-military deployment for rescue and assistance to help over 70,000 affected families.

Currently, the national death toll stands at 589 fatalities, with 2,980 injured. Authorities have described this situation as unprecedented, given the simultaneous nature of the earthquakes.

According to the most recent assessments, there have been 214 aftershocks following the initial quakes.

The sectorial vice president for Policy, Citizen Security, and Peace, Diosdado Cabello Rondón, reported from the coastal region that the government has mobilized all its institutional resources and heavy machinery to begin debris removal efforts, notably including a 100-ton crane vital for lifting collapsed structures and rescuing those trapped under the rubble.

In tandem with these mechanical deployments, the government of interim president Delcy Rodríguez has reinforced security by deploying 12,000 personnel, including members of the Bolivarian National Guard, firefighters, and rescue workers, to ensure public safety and support the citizens during this emergency.

Cabello has called for community organization through local councils to compile an accurate list of missing individuals in each affected area, which will help to guide search and rescue efforts more effectively, as reported by TeleSUR.

Over 100 Buildings Collapsed in La Guaira

La Guaira is located about 40 kilometers from the capital, Caracas, and is home to the nation’s main airport and port, crucial for international trade and goods transport. Additionally, it features significant tourist activity due to its diverse beaches.

After the two powerful earthquakes, more than 100 buildings collapsed and dozens were damaged, including the Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía (temporarily non-operational) and homes in areas like Macuto, Caraballeda, and Catia La Mar. There has also been a complete loss of educational institutions like schools and high schools, alongside irreversible damage to iconic tourist infrastructures. Furthermore, electrical services, water supply, and telecommunications are disrupted in many areas.

In light of this situation, the government has activated a ministerial response per Rodríguez’s direct orders to facilitate resource distribution and survivor rescue. The Ministry of Food is conducting an extraordinary deployment to distribute potable water and food continuously, while the Ministries of Health, Housing, Electricity, Transport, and Public Works are working cohesively to restore essential services.

Authorities have confirmed they will remain onsite to support the La Guaira population throughout the national rebuilding process, until complete stabilization is achieved in communities affected by this tragedy that has tested the resilience of an entire nation.

«This is one of the largest efforts that has been made in such a short time. What happened in Venezuela is an event that, according to experts, occurs every 1,200 years: two identical aftershocks in the same epicenter, with devastating effects,» stated Diosdado Cabello.

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