La Guaira: more than 2 thousand deaths and the drama of identifications

Tragedy in La Guaira: more than 2 thousand dead and thousands missing after earthquakes.

Publicado 4 hours ago el 4 de julio a las 00:43 | 2 mins reading |56 vistas | por Ana Rodríguez

The seismic tragedy in La Guaira

The earthquakes of June 24 in the Venezuelan state of La Guaira left at least 2,295 people dead and thousands remain missing. Hundreds of families seek to identify their loved ones among the bodies recovered from the rubble, before they are sent to mass graves.

Rosa López recounted how she found the body of her son-in-law, José Antonio Toledo, a security guard who died when the building where he worked collapsed. After visiting hospitals and a makeshift morgue, the family managed to identify him, but did not have the resources for a funeral service. The mayor’s office gave them a free space to bury him.

The authorities and forensic teams work tirelessly. Specialists estimate that between 60 and 70% of the victims are recognized by family members or neighbors, although the advanced state of decomposition makes the work difficult. Refrigerated containers have been installed due to the increase in bodies, and the opening of mass graves has not been ruled out.

The wait of families

Around the port of La Guaira and the temporary morgues, dozens of families line up for hours in the hope of identifying their relatives. They use tattoos, scars, clothing or shoes to confirm identity. Pain is mixed with uncertainty about the missing.

Rescuers estimate that recovery efforts could last at least three months due to the number of collapsed buildings. Thousands of volunteers have joined the search, in an effort to give families the chance to say goodbye and give them a last rest.

International

Iran fires Ayatollah Khamenei amid political uncertainty

Iran begins funerals for Ayatollah Khamenei, who led the country for more than three decades.

Publicado 3 hours ago el 4 de julio a las 02:30 | 1 min reading

Iran began the funeral ceremonies this Saturday for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, supreme leader of the Islamic Republic for more than three decades. His death occurred after the start of the war between Iran, the United States and Israel. The events will last for several days in an environment of uncertainty about the political future of the country.

Khamenei’s legacy

Khamenei assumed leadership in 1989, after the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. During his tenure he consolidated the power of the Revolutionary Guard, strengthened Iran’s regional influence and backed allied groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. His government also promoted the development of Iran’s nuclear program, defying international sanctions for years.

International

Typhoon Bavi threatens Guam and Mariana Islands; could be super typhoon

The threat comes after the devastating passage of Sinlaku; authorities call to prepare.

Publicado 3 hours ago el 4 de julio a las 02:18 | 2 mins reading

Typhoon Bavi advances strongly towards Guam and Mariana Islands

The authorities of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are on alert for the possible arrival of Typhoon Bavi. The system could become a super typhoon at the beginning of next week, according to reports from the National Weather Service.

This phenomenon occurs just months after the devastating passage of super typhoon Sinlaku, which left serious damage in the region and left thousands homeless.

Preparations and background

On Friday, Bavi was located about 1,223 kilometers east of Guam, with sustained winds of 129 kilometers per hour. Forecasts indicate that it could intensify rapidly, exceeding 241 kilometers per hour before approaching the Mariana Islands.

Faced with the risk, residents began to reinforce their homes with boards, stock up on fuel, and store food and water. On Saipan, many families have not yet fully recovered from Sinlaku: some remain without power and others remain in temporary shelters after losing their homes.

Meteorologists warn that Bavi could modify its trajectory, but recommend maintaining all prevention measures. Guam, where important US military bases are located, also remains under surveillance.

Specialists point out that the current cyclone season in the Pacific could be more active due to the influence of the El Niño phenomenon and the increase in global temperatures. While monitoring continues, authorities urge the population to stay informed and prepared for any changes in the trajectory or intensity of the typhoon.

International

Ukrainian attacks worsen energy crisis in Russia

Ukraine hits Russian refineries; Putin rejects truce and continues offensive.

Publicado 3 hours ago el 4 de julio a las 01:55 | 1 min reading

The war between Russia and Ukraine intensifies with a new wave of cross attacks. Moscow faces a growing fuel shortage after the Ukrainian bombings against its refineries, while in Ukraine dozens of people are reported affected by the Russian bombings.

Impact on Russian energy

Since March, Ukraine has attacked more than 50 oil and energy facilities on Russian territory and on the Crimean peninsula. These attacks have affected about a third of the country’s refining capacity, according to analyst estimates.

Russian President Vladimir Putin maintains his position of continuing the military offensive and rejects any ceasefire proposal. The lack of fuel is beginning to be felt in several regions, while Ukrainian forces redouble their blows to enemy energy infrastructure.

The conflict shows no signs of de-escalation. Both sides are preparing for more clashes in the coming days, with energy supplies a key strategic objective.