A residential community with more than 190 apartment buildings in Venezuela's hard-hit La Guaira state has entered the rubble clearance phase after being nearly flattened by the powerful earthquake, leaving thousands of families displaced and facing a long wait before returning home.
All residential buildings in the neighborhood were destroyed when twin earthquakes struck on June 24. Before the damaged structures are demolished as part of the cleanup, residents have been allowed to retrieve intact furniture, appliances, and other belongings from their ruined homes. For many, the shift from clearing debris to rebuilding their lives means enduring months or even years of waiting.
Among those left to pick up the pieces is Luis Jose Dominguez, who has lived in La Guaira for 15 years and has been living with a disability for over a decade. He was browsing the internet in the community center when the earthquake struck, narrowly escaping with his life. With local emergency shelters overflowing, he and his family have set up a makeshift camp beside their destroyed home. Despite the harsh conditions, he says he is content simply to be with his loved ones.
"Enjoy the time with your family while they are still here, because you will regret it when they are gone. Love them while they are still alive," he said.
Venezuela is still struggling in the aftermath of two powerful earthquakes. The latest official figures show the earthquakes have so far killed 3, 811 people, injured 16,740 others and caused extensive material damage.
While a large share of the community's residents have relocated to temporary shelters, a group of locals have chosen to remain in the neighborhood, leaning on mutual support to get through the disaster's aftermath.
"Since we settled here, I've been helping with the cooking, as I used to work as a kitchen assistant. We take turns, with one person cooking today and another tomorrow. We're all sticking together right now and getting by pretty well. We're just so grateful we all made it out alive," said community resident Gloria Piniango.
Venezuela is still struggling in the aftermath of two powerful earthquakes that struck on June 24. The latest official figures show the earthquakes have so far killed 3,811 people, injured 16,740 others and caused extensive material damage.
Residents in Venezuela's La Guaira face long wait to rebuild after earthquake
