Venezuela earthquakes: looting and desperation in La Guaira after double tremor

The Venezuelan coastal state of La Guaira is reeling after two powerful earthquakes struck within 39 seconds on Wednesday, leaving at least 164 dead and 971 injured according to acting President Delcy Rodríguez Source: infobae. The twin tremors, of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, have been classified as a "doblete sísmico" by the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center, a rare phenomenon where two major quakes occur in quick succession in the same area Source: lavanguardia.

Damage and desperation

Thousands of residents have been left homeless, with entire buildings collapsed and roads shattered. The Oasis building in Playa Grande completely crumbled, trapping victims under debris Source: infobae. Rescue efforts are overwhelmed: "Los bomberos no dan abasto y la maquinaria pesada para levantar escombros es también escasa" (firefighters are overwhelmed and heavy machinery is scarce) Source: hoydo. Many survivors are in shock, unsure where to find shelter, and the city lacks electricity and phone service, with access roads being closed Source: infobae.

Looting and survival

Amid the chaos, looters have ransacked damaged stores, carrying away food, medicine, and electronics. EFE reporters witnessed a Farmatodo pharmacy completely emptied, with shelves bare Source: lavanguardia. One resident, Gabriel Aldana, described how "Comenzaron a romper una pared que es donde estaban chucherías (golosinas), refrescos y demás" (they began breaking a wall where snacks and drinks were) Source: emolcl. Another business owner, Ana Echeverría, said looters came immediately after the quake: "La gente quería comida, porque no tenían nada. Eso fue horrible, horrible" Source: infobae. Riot police were seen heading toward the area as looting continued.

Official response

La Guaira has been declared a "zona de desastre natural" by the government, though exact numbers of collapsed buildings have not been provided Source: infobae. Some residents report a lack of clear instructions from authorities, with patrols present but not giving directions Source: hoydo. Meanwhile, 30 aftershocks have been recorded in the hours following the main quakes Source: lavanguardia.