In the wake of devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela, a profound sense of community resilience is emerging among the affected residents. While the destruction in areas like Catia la Mar is staggering, stories of determination and compassion highlight the strength of individuals like Andreina Velasquez, who have taken it upon themselves to support their neighbors amid an inadequate governmental response. This grassroots mobilization not only underscores the power of community during a crisis but also calls attention to the urgent need for comprehensive disaster management and support systems in vulnerable regions.
Catia la Mar, Venezuela – Andreina Velasquez gazes up at her apartment building, once a proud fixture along the coast of Catia la Mar in the Venezuelan state of La Guaira. The concrete slabs that separated each floor now lie precariously stacked on top of each other, a haunting reminder of the earthquakes that rocked the region on June 24, registering magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
In an ironic twist of fate, Velasquez considers herself fortunate. She had stepped out for a few hours to have a new key cut and was enjoying a day at the beach when the initial quake struck. Tragically, her neighbors, individuals whom she knew well—a gentle, retired man and a new mother enamored with the sea view—were not as lucky and did not survive the calamity.
The enormity of her loss weighs heavily on her, especially as her state grapples with the aftereffects of the earthquakes, which have left more than 2,295 dead and approximately 11,000 injured, according to Venezuela’s National Assembly. The United Nations has warned that the death toll may climb to as many as 10,000 as the full extent of the disaster unfolds.
Despite her grief, Velasquez has rallied to aid others by distributing face masks to those affected by the dust and debris filling the air from the collapsed structures. She takes it upon herself to support those around her, stating, “I’ve been here every day. Other people came to help, but they don’t have helmets, they don’t have gloves, they don’t have masks. That’s why I’m helping.”
As the recovery process continues, experts emphasize that it is largely sustained by volunteers and local community efforts. Many hospitals are overwhelmed, and government aid has yet to reach some of the most severely impacted areas. Carolina Jimenez, president of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), a non-profit organization focused on Latin American issues, remarked that the insufficient response from the government has fueled mounting frustration among the affected populace.
“In a government in any other country, the first responder should be the state,” she pointed out. “In the case of Venezuela, the state has been the last responder.”
In locations like Catia la Mar, north of Caracas, the absence of timely government intervention remains glaring, with some communities reportedly waiting days for any form of assistance. Residents have taken charge, effectively transforming their neighborhood into a hub of resilience, compassion, and mutual support while calling attention to the crucial need for proactive governmental action in disaster management and recovery.
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