Yoel Monzón González, a forensic anthropologist and head of the Forensic Anthropology Task Force (ETAF) in Matanzas, is set to travel to Venezuela shortly. He will join a multidisciplinary team of Cuban specialists dedicated to identifying victims of the catastrophic twin earthquakes that struck on June 24, as reported by Girón newspaper.
The earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, violently hit Yaracuy state just 39 seconds apart, resulting in over 1,400 confirmed fatalities and an estimated 50,000 missing, according to the United Nations. Projections from the U.S. Geological Survey suggest the final death toll could range from 10,000 to 100,000, given the structural vulnerability of Venezuelan buildings.
Monzón González, who holds a Master of Science degree and is a permanent member of the forensic section of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Latin America, was selected also due to his status as a full member of the Latin American Association of Forensic Anthropology (ALAF).
"This is the first time I’m working outside the country on a case of this magnitude," the specialist shared with Girón.
The Cuban forensic team heading to Venezuela is multidisciplinary, including medical examiners, thanatologists, and forensic anthropologists, with a central focus on identifying deceased individuals.
The Urgent Need for Humanitarian Aid
The Matanzas expert emphasized the critical humanitarian need of their mission: "Identification is crucial here, due to the significant uncertainty among families who don't know whether those reported missing are deceased or still alive."
Monzón González also pointed out the ethical aspect of their work: "Every disaster results in numerous deaths that must be handled with dignity, and it is essential to restore identities so families can begin the grieving process."
Given the massive number of missing individuals, other international teams will also contribute to the effort, underscoring the significant impact on forensic workloads.
Monzón González has prior experience with mass disaster scenarios in Cuba. His most challenging case involved identifying victims of the Super Tanker Base fire in Matanzas in August 2022, where extreme heat obliterated fingerprints, dental records, and genetic materials, making forensic identification exceedingly difficult.
Cuban Medical Support in Venezuela
In Venezuela, Cuban medical personnel, approximately 12,930 healthcare collaborators, have mobilized to treat the injured in Comprehensive Diagnostic Centers following the earthquakes. The deployment of the forensic team marks a second tier of cooperation, specifically targeting the identification of the deceased.
"We recognize the complexity of the task ahead due to the scale of the event, but we emphasize our dedication and responsibility to the profession, to each victim, and to their families," stated Monzón González, concluding, "Our actions there will contribute a small but significant part to the humanitarian effort for Venezuela."
Forensic Efforts in Venezuela: Key Questions
What is the role of Yoel Monzón González in Venezuela?
Yoel Monzón González will join a Cuban multidisciplinary team to assist in identifying victims of the recent earthquakes in Venezuela.
How many Cuban healthcare workers are currently in Venezuela?
Approximately 12,930 Cuban healthcare workers are stationed in Venezuela, assisting with medical care following the earthquakes.
Why is there a need for international forensic teams in Venezuela?
The immense number of missing persons and the structural damages have overwhelmed local resources, necessitating international assistance for forensic identification.