Joarlys Rodríguez, a Venezuelan migrant who had been living in Chile, returned to her homeland after the catastrophic dual earthquake on June 24, 2026, only to face an unimaginable loss: her three children and mother were found deceased, their bodies discovered embraced beneath the rubble of their home.
In an emotional interview with Telemundo, Rodríguez described her experience as "horrific," capturing her agony with a poignant statement: "It's a pain both as a daughter and a mother."
Her brother was the one who located the bodies on the very night of the earthquake.
According to the family's account, Joarlys's mother had gathered the children—her own grandchildren—into the bathroom of their house as the tremors began. That is where they were discovered, with her arms wrapped around them.
Rodríguez had moved to Chile, like many Venezuelans, in search of better opportunities, leaving her children in the care of her mother while she worked abroad. The earthquake turned that temporary separation into a permanent and heartbreaking loss.
Now in Venezuela, Rodríguez is unable to return to Chile due to her emotional state.
The Devastating Impact of the Earthquake
The twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 are considered the most devastating in the country's history since 1900. The initial quake, measuring 7.2 in magnitude, hit at 6:04 PM local time with its epicenter near Morón in Carabobo state, followed just 39 seconds later by a 7.5 magnitude quake centered near Yumare in Yaracuy state. The hardest-hit areas included La Guaira, Caracas, Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcón.
As of July 3, the Venezuelan government's official death toll stood at 2,645, with over 12,666 injured and 6,462 individuals rescued. However, these figures have been met with skepticism: the United Nations estimates up to 50,000 people missing, and the United States Geological Survey projected a 42% to 44% likelihood that fatalities could exceed 10,000.
Venezuelan Diaspora's Heartbreak
Joarlys's tragic story is one of many highlighting the plight of the Venezuelan diaspora amid this disaster. Another heartbreaking account comes from Cristian Rebolledo, a Venezuelan who lost his daughter and two grandchildren in Tanaguarenas yet continued to assist in rescue efforts.
Chile hosts over 700,000 Venezuelans, many of whom left family members behind in Venezuela. In response to the disaster's scale, the Chilean government has permitted humanitarian safe-conducts for Venezuelans with expired passports to return home, reunite with loved ones, or aid in rebuilding efforts.
On Saturday, nine days after the initial quake, the collapse of a school in Caracas underscored the ongoing structural emergency in Venezuela, signaling that the crisis is far from over.
Understanding the Venezuelan Earthquake Crisis
What were the magnitudes of the twin earthquakes in Venezuela?
The first earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.2, followed by a second quake at 7.5 magnitude just 39 seconds later.
How many people have been affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela?
Official reports state 2,645 fatalities, more than 12,666 injuries, and 6,462 rescues, but estimates suggest up to 50,000 people may be missing.
What measures has the Chilean government taken in response to the earthquake?
The Chilean government has authorized humanitarian safe-conducts for Venezuelans with expired passports to return home to their families or assist in recovery efforts.