Venezuela: death toll from earthquake rises to 2,595

Eight days after the earthquakes that devastated the state of La Guaira, rescue teams made a discovery that renewed hope. Hernán Alberto Gil Flores, 43 years old, was found alive under the remains of a shopping center in Catia La Mar.

An air pocket and the supply of water and food he received through the debris allowed him to survive. His transfer by ambulance was received with applause and emotional displays of relief among those present.

Increasing numbers and health risks

Despite the rescue, the emergency continues to leave alarming numbers. The Venezuelan government reports at least 2,295 people dead and more than 11,000 injured. Thousands remain missing or in temporary shelters. Medical personnel have warned about the risk of a health crisis due to unattended injuries and possible outbreaks of infectious diseases.

The government response has generated criticism. Various sectors consider the actions of the authorities insufficient. Meanwhile, political uncertainty persists regarding the upcoming expiration of President Delcy Rodríguez’s interim mandate, amid a lack of official information.

International support

The United States reiterated its support for humanitarian efforts and confirmed the presence of military personnel to support rescue and assistance operations. US officials indicated that they are coordinating with local authorities to facilitate aid. Emergency teams continue the search for survivors and care for thousands of affected families.

An attack without clear answers

More than four months after the bombing of a primary school in Minab, Iran, there is no definitive official report. An Associated Press investigation reveals that most of the victims were children.

The campus was within a complex linked to the Revolutionary Guard. On February 28, staff asked parents to pick up their children because of the bombings. Minutes later, explosions destroyed the building.

Confirmed data

Human rights organizations estimate 157 identified deaths: 123 minors and 34 adults. Other sources raise the figure.

Testimonies describe scenes of devastation. Relatives and rescuers found bodies in the rubble. Hospitals received remains of numerous victims.

The investigation indicates that the US Army had indications that a school was hit. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the building had been identified as an educational center years ago, but that information was not properly shared among targeting teams.

The Pentagon maintains an open investigation. The families demand answers and an official count.

The lack of access to the area, Iranian restrictions and verification difficulties prevent the complete clarification of one of the most tragic attacks of the conflict.

The stench of decomposing bodies spread through the streets of La Guaira as rescue brigades moved from searching for survivors to recovering remains. However, unexpected news restored spirits to the international and local teams.

The rescue of Hernán Alberto Gil Flores

Venezuelan and foreign officials celebrated the discovery alive of a 43-year-old security guard, trapped for almost eight days under the rubble of a shopping center. Television cameras captured the emotional moment when he was extracted and placed on a stretcher, while the crowd burst into applause.

Hernán survived thanks to an air pocket and the food and water that the rescuers sent him through the cracks. It far exceeded the critical threshold of 72 hours, when experts consider it most likely to find people alive.

The other side of tragedy

In other areas of the state of La Guaira, the most affected, the outlook was bleak. The port city of Catia La Mar saw officials moving around carrying body bags and stacking coffins. Equipment with seismic sensors was removed without detecting signs of life.

The government of the interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, reported at least 2,295 deaths and more than 11,000 injuries. His management has been criticized for its slowness and disorganization. Thousands of people sleep in shelters or outdoors, and doctors warn of a health crisis due to infections and untreated injuries.

Among the victims is Daniel Alejandro Núñez Ramírez, 28, deported from the United States hours before the earthquake. He had arrived on a flight with more than a hundred Venezuelans and was transferred to a hotel in La Guaira that his mother, Oswadeliz Núñez, described as a prison. Thirty minutes after a phone call, the building collapsed. His mother collected his ashes in a morgue.

“My son was not a criminal. Why do they treat people with no criminal record as criminals?” —Oswadeliz told The Associated Press.

Support from the United States

Washington supports Rodríguez and has allocated more than $300 million in assistance. John M. Barrett, US chargé d’affaires in Venezuela, assured that funds from Venezuelan oil production will be available for reconstruction. However, organizations such as the Washington Office on Latin American Affairs ask for transparency in the use of that money.

The government’s response remains under scrutiny, as the 180-day term of Rodríguez’s interim presidency expires.