Eight days have passed since the catastrophic earthquakes rocked northern Venezuela, and Brian, a resident of the La Riviera building in Talla Grande, Catia La Mar, has publicly criticized the lack of action from authorities in El Olivar, La Guaira. His testimony was shared by the human rights organization Vente Venezuela.
Brian tragically lost two family members during the disaster. His grandmother was pulled from the rubble but succumbed to a heart attack three days post-quake, brought on by stress. His uncle was trapped under the remains of the Flayaté building for eight days; his body was finally recovered on Thursday thanks to local residents and volunteers, without any official assistance.
"The situation has essentially been resolved by the community, as no police or government agencies have come to our aid," Brian recounted in a video.
He highlighted the inaction of security forces present in the area: "You see police officers and military personnel here, yet none are doing anything. They're all posing for photos to share on social media, pretending to work."
According to Brian, the only effective responders were international teams. "International rescuers from countries like El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal, and Spain were the only ones who really came through, arriving three to four days after the quake," he noted.
Brian also warned of the dangers faced by residents trying to recover bodies without proper equipment or training: "We are untrained people trying to help, risking our lives in situations we don't understand, and as victims, we're exposing ourselves to potentially greater tragedy."
His family is calling for the deployment of specialized teams and heavy machinery. "What is needed is more qualified personnel willing to help and additional machinery to assist," Brian concluded.
Brian's situation is not unique. Mary Lourdes Pérez, who lost her two children and her mother to the earthquakes, also reported that official aid arrived too late and was inadequate in Caraballeda. In Catia La Mar, 158 out of 189 buildings suffered damage or were destroyed.
Furthermore, the Venezuelan regime restricted access to La Guaira state starting at 8:00 PM on June 27, forcing volunteers to register at the Poliedro de Caracas for credentials, further complicating aid delivery to the hardest-hit areas.
The earthquakes on June 24, 2026—two consecutive tremors of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, just 39 seconds apart—are the strongest recorded in Venezuela since 1900, according to the United States Geological Survey. As of July 1, the official toll reported 2,295 dead and 11,267 injured, while the UN estimates that up to 50,000 people could be missing and 6.76 million affected.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Venezuelan Earthquakes
What caused the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes were caused by tectonic activity, resulting in two powerful tremors of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 that struck just 39 seconds apart.
How has the Venezuelan government responded to the earthquakes?
The Venezuelan government has been criticized for its slow and inadequate response, with reports of restricted access to affected areas and insufficient aid.
Who are the primary responders in the aftermath of the earthquakes?
International rescue teams from countries like El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal, and Spain have been the primary responders, arriving days after the disaster.