Ricardo Capote has been unable to lay his wife to rest eleven days after the devastating earthquakes on June 24, 2026, leveled their building in Catia La Mar, La Guaira state. In the meantime, he is raising his 10-month-old son, Ricardito, who miraculously survived the disaster and has become a symbol of endurance in Venezuela's worst seismic catastrophe since 1900.
According to a report from Telemundo 51, the baby's mother was trapped under a beam when the eight-story building collapsed. Ricardo firmly believes she managed to push their child to safety before being crushed. "She saved him; there's no other explanation. I imagine when she saw the beam falling, she pushed the baby, and that's what saved him," he stated.
Ricardo also suspects that his wife signaled rescuers to find their son. "There was a moment when he started crying more. We assume she pinched him somehow," he recounted. The person who found the baby mentioned that the mother managed to say goodbye: "When she heard someone was with the baby, she waved her hand to say farewell."
Recalling the fateful afternoon, Ricardo was at his computer when the tremors began. He asked his wife to stay under the doorframe with their baby in her arms, but he remained seated. "I never got up. I was at the computer, thinking it was just one tremor that would pass, but it didn't," he reflected.
The following day, he returned to the building and confirmed his worst fears: "That's when I saw her pinned under a beam."
The tragedy extends beyond the loss of Ricardito's mother. Ricardo also lost his own mother, who perished in the rubble in Carayaca, another town in La Guaira state. The chaos and distance prevented him from reaching her in time: "I couldn't see my mom. I couldn't say goodbye. I couldn't attend her funeral."
His wife's body remains trapped under debris. Ricardo has criticized the stalled recovery efforts due to inadequate resources: "There's no equipment, no machinery, no cranes. It's a complete disaster, honestly." The diesel shortage, which has immobilized excavators and cranes in critical areas of La Guaira, exacerbates the situation, according to Bloomberg Línea.
Ricardito, born with a heart condition requiring medical treatment, is currently cared for by relatives in western La Guaira. He was on the verge of being baptized and dedicated to the Virgin of Valle when the disaster struck. The family has made it clear they are not seeking financial aid through social media.
When asked where he finds the strength to carry on, Ricardo answered without hesitation: "I see my little guy every day."
The official death toll from the earthquakes has risen to over 3,342, according to Venezuelan government figures. However, international organizations like the U.S. Geological Survey estimate the actual number could be between 10,000 and 100,000, while citizen platforms report more than 71,203 people unaccounted for. Among the most heartrending cases is that of 10-year-old Cuban boy Dayán Martínez, confirmed dead on Sunday after being trapped for over 11 days in a Los Corales building.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Venezuelan Earthquakes
What was the date of the Venezuelan earthquakes?
The earthquakes occurred on June 24, 2026.
How many people have been reported dead due to the earthquakes?
Officially, more than 3,342 deaths have been reported, but estimates suggest the actual number could be much higher.
What is the current situation regarding recovery efforts?
Recovery efforts have been hampered by a lack of resources, including equipment and fuel, which has stalled operations in critical areas.