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Original article: Campamentos llenos, solidaridad desbordada y una ciudad en pie: el rostro de Caracas una semana después del doble terremoto

Caracas Stands Resilient a Week After Dual Earthquakes, as Solidarity and Relief Efforts Surge

One week after the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that shook Venezuela on June 24, residents of Caracas are striving to remain resilient, showcasing their solidarity with those affected and providing support at collection centers and temporary camps set up throughout the capital.

According to the latest reports from authorities, the death toll from the devastating quakes has risen to 2,295 individuals, while 11,267 have been injured and 12,841 are left in a state of displacement.

Since the occurrence of these dual earthquakes, there have been a total of 782 aftershocks, while rescue operations involve over 26,000 Venezuelan personnel and more than 4,000 international rescue workers, alongside over 16,000 volunteers from various regions of the Caribbean nation.

This seismic event has been classified as the «most deadly that Venezuela has experienced in the last century.» Nearly six decades ago, on July 29, 1967, Caracas was rocked by a 6.7 magnitude earthquake that resulted in over 236 fatalities, 2,000 injuries, and substantial material damage. As the one-week mark from the tragedy on June 24 has passed, Venezuela’s capital is in a state of rescue and debris removal, while its inhabitants, amidst fear and sorrow, strive to regain some normalcy.

In response to the emergency, more than 50 temporary camps have been established in Caracas and in the La Guaira state to assist affected families. These facilities have been set up in venues such as schools, high schools, parks, sports complexes, and public squares to provide safe shelter, food, medical care, and psychological support.

In the capital, camps such as Parque del Oeste “Alí Primera” (Catia Parish) and Parque Generalísimo Francisco de Miranda (Sucre Municipality) are housing thousands of individuals, both from Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira, which was the hardest hit by the earthquakes.

These facilities also serve as supply centers where mattresses, tents, medications, potable water, hygiene products, and both non-perishable and prepared foods are distributed for affected families and volunteers alike.

The solidarity of Venezuelans has overflowed as they have come together at these centers to deliver supplies and offer their help.

During a tour of both Parque del Oeste and Parque del Este, the El Ciudadano team observed a constant flow of individuals bringing bottled water, medications, clothing, shoes, and mattresses to assist those in greatest need at this time.

However, residents highlight that there is still a need for ongoing support, alongside the efforts undertaken by the Venezuelan government and countries that have expressed their solidarity during this emergency.

Caracans have also flocked to the buildings that collapsed after the earthquakes, both to assist in rescue operations and to help with debris removal.

On Wednesday, interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a national mourning period for seven days. At 6:04 PM, the exact time of the first earthquake, citizens observed a moment of silence for the victims.

Caracas Struggles to Stand Strong After Dual Earthquakes

Amid fear, pain, and aftershocks, Caracas streets are gradually returning to routine. El Ciudadano has reported that metro stations are open and the underground transport system is operational.

Additionally, major urban transport routes are operational, and several businesses, including shopping centers, have begun to reopen while repairs are being made to their damaged facades and installations.

Thus, the capital of Venezuela strives to rise amidst the rubble and tragedy, as its people steadfastly continue their commitment and solidarity to provide assistance to those who need it most right now.

*Featured image: El Ucabista.

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