Yenny Yzcala and her eight-year-old daughter endured four harrowing hours beneath the rubble of their home in Las Minas de Baruta, Caracas, following the catastrophic dual earthquakes that jolted Venezuela on June 24, 2026. Her account, shared by human rights organization Vente Venezuela on Thursday, highlights the personal impact of a disaster that has claimed over 2,295 lives nationwide.
“On the day of the quake, our house was hit; it collapsed with my daughter and me inside. It took four hours to rescue us from the debris,” Yenny recounted in front of the camera, her voice calm yet filled with emotion.
Both emerged alive, though not without injuries: cuts, bruises, and surface marks serve as the physical reminders of a rescue operation that could have ended far worse.
“Glory to God, we only have cuts and bruises, and, well, marks that will eventually fade, but we lost everything materially,” she added.
Currently, Yenny seeks shelter at her mother's house, where space is scarce. Without a mattress to sleep on or food, her request is urgent yet simple: “The most immediate need is a mattress for my daughter and me to sleep on. And food, as we haven’t received any aid either.”
The Impact Beyond Yenny's Story
Yenny's situation is not unique; it mirrors a widespread pattern among those displaced in Baruta, one of the hardest-hit areas in the country.
Nationally, the official death toll reached 2,295 by July 1, while the UN estimated up to 50,000 missing persons and 6.76 million affected individuals. NASA identified nearly 58,870 damaged or destroyed structures, and the UNDP assessed direct damages at $6.7 billion, equivalent to 6% of Venezuela's GDP.
The June 24 earthquakes — measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, with epicenters in the Yaracuy state and separated by a mere 39 seconds — are the most powerful recorded in Venezuela since 1900, according to the United States Geological Survey.
Criticism of the Government's Response
Human rights organizations, including Provea, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, have criticized the Venezuelan government's response, which prioritized deploying 14,000 military and police personnel for order control over effective humanitarian aid for families like Yenny's.
Other chilling stories have surfaced during these days: a 12-year-old boy rescued after 120 hours under debris in Macuto, and a couple who recorded a farewell video, fearing they would not survive.
In the absence of official assistance, Yenny directly appealed for public solidarity: “I invite those who can help people affected materially. I know there are also those who lost loved ones; thank God, I didn’t lose anyone, we’re alive amid all this.”
Last Friday, a new 4.6 magnitude tremor shook the region, the strongest since the original earthquakes, in an area where thousands of families still await the promised aid.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Venezuelan Earthquakes
What were the magnitudes of the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, were of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5.
How many people have been affected by the earthquakes?
The UN estimates that up to 50,000 people are missing, and 6.76 million individuals have been affected by the earthquakes.
What criticisms have been made regarding the government's response?
Critics argue that the Venezuelan government prioritized military and police deployment for order control over providing effective humanitarian aid.