A journalist who entered the epicenter in Catia La Mar, La Guaira, Venezuela, on Saturday described the catastrophic aftermath of the June 24 earthquakes as an "apocalyptic scene" following a tour of a city he labeled a "total loss."
The account, broadcast by NTV365oficial and widely circulated on social media, including by X user Cristian Crespo F., highlights the condition of the coastal area ten days after the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes rocked Venezuela.
"I've witnessed disaster zones, I've been to earthquakes where you see affected areas, parts of the city. Here, it's everything—an entire city in total ruin. It's beyond words," the reporter stated.
According to his report, nearly every building in the area is unusable and requires either demolition or extensive reconstruction.
Adding to the earthquake-induced destruction, at least eight fires broke out on July 2 in Catia La Mar, reportedly due to the abrupt restoration of electricity, further compounding the city's damage.
La Guaira accounts for 158 of the 189 buildings reported as completely collapsed in Venezuela. A NASA satellite analysis identified 58,870 damaged structures in the country, estimating 1.2 million tons of debris solely in this state.
"These people need a tremendous amount of help. They've lost everything; aid must start from scratch, from the most basic needs. Children, the elderly, young people...the entire city. Every resident here has lost everything," the journalist added.
The reporter concluded his account with an urgent plea to the international community for donations to charitable organizations, emphasizing that "every small contribution makes a difference" for a nation facing its worst seismic disaster in over a century.
Residents of all ages are taking refuge in gyms and tents set up in the area, with no clear prospects for relocation. Hundreds of families in Caraballeda have been sleeping on the streets for ten days, despite government promises to move them to the Las Caracas hotel complex.
While hundreds remain sheltered in gyms and tents without housing solutions, NGO Provea criticized the 14,000 military and police personnel deployed by interim President Delcy Rodríguez's government for focusing on public order control rather than providing essential services like water, food, or basic supplies to the affected.
Despite institutional neglect, hope hasn't been entirely extinguished. Over 3,000 personnel from 33 countries are involved in rescue operations. Notable cases include Hernán Gil, a 43-year-old Venezuelan rescued alive after being buried for eight days, and a 70-year-old woman pulled out alive on Friday, July 3, after nine days under the rubble.
Official figures report 2,954 fatalities and 16,592 injuries, with an increase of 309 deaths in just one day.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) projects a 42% probability of total fatalities ranging between 10,000 and 100,000, while the UN estimates up to 50,000 people missing. The citizen platform Desaparecidos Terremotos Venezuela has recorded over 35,564 individuals unaccounted for.
Frequently Asked Questions about the La Guaira Earthquake
What was the magnitude of the earthquakes in La Guaira?
The earthquakes that struck La Guaira had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
How many buildings collapsed in La Guaira?
In La Guaira, 158 buildings were reported as completely collapsed.
What assistance is urgently needed for La Guaira residents?
Residents need basic supplies such as water, food, and housing, and international donations to aid recovery efforts.
What is the estimated range of fatalities due to the earthquakes?
The U.S. Geological Survey estimates a 42% probability of fatalities ranging between 10,000 and 100,000.