By Miguel R. Dos Santos, Rotaract Club of Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
The two earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24 June changed the life of the entire nation, especially those living in the central region. From the very first hours after the disaster, I witnessed the structural damage in the capital and throughout La Guaira, transforming what was once a vibrant tourist destination into an area devastated by the catastrophe.
In the city of Caracas, the damage my fellow Rotary members and I have witnessed produces a dissonant impact for those of us who have resided in the area since an early age — developing a contrast between the city built by our parents and grandparents and the ruins that remain to this day in some of the affected areas.
In the state of La Guaira, the hardest-hit region, there has been a tragic loss of life, while countless families hold onto hope in the search for their missing loved ones. That hope endures in our society and is sustained by the immediate, constant, and tireless efforts of the rescue teams remaining on the ground, as well as by civil society organizations —including our Rotary and Rotaract clubs — that continue to provide aid, assistance, and support programs to those affected.
In both cities, there is a sharp and rapid increase in priorities requiring immediate attention, some stemming from the double earthquake and others due to the precariousness of vulnerable sectors within the affected population. Medical care, psychosocial support, and nutritional assistance have emerged as fundamental priorities.
Short- and medium-term efforts are being developed to relocate affected families, establish communities in usable areas lacking urban development, and create provisional and/or temporary camps to provide the daily living needs of those affected by the earthquakes.
It’s essential to point out that all these relief efforts are being carried out by organized civil society, maintaining a joint effort with international support that is allowing the most affected people to regain control over their own lives. It is also necessary to highlight that the captivating place held in our memories is a utopian space currently battered.
However, as a result of the tireless work of its residents, the solidarity that characterizes Venezuelans, and the international support delivered to our communities, a glimpse of hope emerges as a guiding light in every conversation, breaking through language barriers and raising a smile on the faces of those facing this catastrophe on the front lines.
The situation on the ground reveals a reality for which none of us could have been completely prepared. However, it is a reality that demands all of us to act with solidarity and provide meaningful support to the thousands of people whose lives have been devastated by this disaster.
