Venezuela earthquake survivors describe devastation: “Everything collapsed”

Devastating Earthquakes in Venezuela Leave Residents in Shock

Venezuela earthquake survivors describe devastation - Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, struck Venezuela’s northern coast on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction in cities like Caracas, La Guaira, and Catia La Mar. The tremors, described by survivors as a “catastrophic” event, left many in disbelief as buildings crumbled and streets turned into debris fields. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, emphasizing the urgent need for aid as the country grapples with the aftermath.

Survivors Share Terrifying Experiences

Tony Frangie, a journalist trapped in an elevator during the first quake, recounted his harrowing encounter with CBS Mornings. He had been heading to a World Cup match with friends when the ground began to shake violently. “I started to pray and press every button, hoping the elevator would open,” Frangie said, his voice still trembling. The elevator eventually dropped him into the basement, where he found the building trembling but still standing. For hours, he waited alongside neighbors as they descended, unaware of the full scale of the disaster.

“I started to move, looked for shelter under a column. I was between my room and the shower. It shook harder and harder,” Antonio Bermudez told AFP. “I held onto the wall, and the building started to come down.”

Bermudez, a resident of La Guaira, described the chaos as the ground ruptured beneath him. He managed to escape his apartment before the structure collapsed, but others were not as fortunate. In the Catia La Mar neighborhood, where nearly 200 residential towers stand, the devastation was absolute. “Everything, everything collapsed,” said Yilsmaris Blanco, a 39-year-old survivor. “We thank God because … we’re alive, but there are people right now suffering with their relatives buried, crushed, and unable to reach them.”

Shallow Quakes Intensify Damage

The earthquakes’ shallow depth—approximately six miles—amplified their impact, according to CBS News meteorologist Rob Marciano. Shallow quakes generate more violent surface shaking, making structures more vulnerable to collapse. “The tremors were felt in parts of Colombia and Brazil, and even triggered tsunami alerts,” Marciano explained. The region’s fragile infrastructure, already strained by years of economic hardship, proved no match for the seismic force.

La Guaira, a key port city, bore the brunt of the disaster. Its streets were littered with rubble, and many homes were reduced to piles of concrete and steel. “We have nothing, right now we have nothing, not even the strength or courage to go in there,” said Larry Rojas, a 49-year-old resident whose family was trapped in a collapsed building. “Just imagine.”

International Aid and Government Response

Amid the crisis, the U.S. pledged support through its Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. Speaking to reporters, Rubio highlighted the Trump administration’s focus on the “human aspect” of the disaster. “There are human beings that have been harmed, hurt, some have been killed, some severely injured, and others are still trapped in rubble,” he said. “We’re going to focus on that.” While the earthquakes are not directly tied to Venezuela’s political situation, Rubio noted they present a challenge to the country’s stabilization efforts.

Other nations also stepped in. Qatar and El Salvador offered assistance, with the U.S. deploying search and rescue teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles. The efforts aim to locate survivors in the rubble, but conditions remain dire. “We expect it to get worse,” said Northwestern University professor emile Okal, who analyzed the quakes for CBS News. “The timing of the tremors—within a minute of each other—meant people had little chance to escape before the second wave hit.”

Rebuilding and Resilience in the Face of Tragedy

As the dust settled, the scale of the destruction became clearer. Photos from the affected areas showed buildings riddled with cracks, walls toppled, and entire neighborhoods left in ruins. Many residents, including those in standing structures, expressed fear of entering their homes again. “We’re afraid it will collapse too,” said Rojas, whose family is still searching for a way out of the rubble. Without electricity or clean water, daily life has come to a standstill. “People are dying of thirst,” he added.

Jose Pacheco, operations chief of Venezuela’s United Rescue Group, called the aftermath “unlike anything I’ve seen in 30 years of experience.” He emphasized the need for specialized equipment and international support to navigate the wreckage. “We need help, above all technical resources to clear the debris and reach those still trapped,” Pacheco said. Despite the devastation, he remained hopeful, stating that “Venezuela is going to emerge stronger from this.”

Community Efforts and the Road Ahead

Survivors have begun organizing themselves, using whatever tools they can to assist in rescue operations. In Catia La Mar, where the collapse was most severe, neighbors worked together to dig through the rubble, though the task is overwhelming. “The situation is heartbreaking,” said Blanco. “We’re all trying to do what we can, but without machinery, it’s like trying to move mountains.”

With the collapse of so many buildings, the immediate focus is on safety and survival. The lack of electricity has crippled communication systems, making it difficult for rescuers to coordinate efforts. Meanwhile, the absence of clean water has led to growing concerns about disease outbreaks. “We’re in a desperate situation,” said Rojas. “We need someone to send machinery to dig us out.”

A Lasting Impact on Venezuela’s Future

While the physical damage is evident, the emotional toll on the population is equally profound. For many, the earthquakes have shattered their sense of security. “This is a nightmare we never imagined,” said Bermudez. “We thought we were prepared, but nothing could have prepared us for this.”

As the country assesses the damage, officials and citizens alike are looking toward the future. The state of emergency has mobilized resources, but the challenge of rebuilding will take time. “The earthquakes are a setback, but we’re going to get through it,” Rubio concluded. “The human spirit will prevail.”

For now, the focus remains on the immediate crisis. Survivors describe a landscape transformed overnight, with the echoes of the tremors still lingering in the hearts of those who lived through them. The resilience of the people, however, is a testament to their determination to rise from the rubble and rebuild their lives. “Even in the worst moments, we remain hopeful,” said Pacheco. “Because that’s what we do when faced with catastrophe.”