June 24 is usually a day of national pride in Venezuela, celebrating the anniversary of the 1821 Battle of Carabobo. Because it was a holiday, many people were at home instead of at work. Suddenly, the ground began to shake violently.
Two strong earthquakes hit the northwest coast near San Felipe in Yaracuy state, only 40 seconds apart. The first earthquake was a warning for the second, even stronger one. It happened only six miles below the surface, which made the destruction much worse. This was the worst earthquake in Venezuela in over 100 years, much worse than the 1967 earthquake in Caracas that killed over 200 people. The earthquakes were caused by the San Sebastián fault system, where the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates meet.
The destruction is terrible. By June 26, about 920 people had died, and over 3,360 were injured. People from Brazil, China, Spain, Portugal, and Italy were among the victims. Sadly, over 51,000 people are still missing.
The port town of La Guaira, north of the capital Caracas, was hit the hardest. The government has declared the coastal area a disaster zone. Buildings in La Guaira and Caracas, including homes, collapsed. Many buildings in the area, especially informal housing, were not built to survive such strong earthquakes.
The critical 72-hour period for finding survivors is ending quickly. In areas where official help has not arrived, citizens are helping themselves. Using only shovels and hammers, people are searching through the rubble, hoping to find survivors.
Many people are shocked by the scale of the destruction. "In a place like this, you just feel shocked," said volunteer Sebastian Arias. "I don't even feel like taking photos."
Rescue efforts face many problems. Aftershocks continue to shake the region, making damaged buildings unstable. Also, the country was already struggling with political and economic problems. The healthcare system is overwhelmed and damaged. At least 13 hospitals were damaged in the earthquakes.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a national emergency and asked doctors and nurses to help. "We need all doctors and nurses to report to their places of work," Rodríguez said. "We must take care of everyone who is arriving at emergency rooms."
Problems with infrastructure are also slowing down aid. Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas stopped all flights due to damage. To help emergency vehicles, authorities have limited access to La Guaira. Schools are closed for an unknown period.
Despite the difficulties, many countries are sending help. Rescue teams from Mexico, El Salvador, Chile, Colombia, Spain, Switzerland, and the Dominican Republic are coming. The United States is sending teams and has promised $150 million in aid. A team from Canada has also arrived.
As the third day ends, the situation becomes more urgent. Experts predict the final death toll could be over 10,000. For the families waiting by the rubble, every minute is critical.