“Turn Off the Motorcycles So We Can Hear Calls for Help”
They shout at Ground Zero in La Guaira, Venezuela
The collapse of roads and the overcrowding of hospitals are compounded by the absence of centralized coordination for relief efforts.
By Reynaldo Mozo Zambrano (Efecto Cocuyo)
HAVANA TIMES – Time is one of the most relentless enemies in La Guaira. Following the earthquakes that shook Venezuela, every tick of the clock becomes another agonizing obstacle for rescuers, volunteers, and families. Everyone is working without pause, knowing that every passing minute reduces the chances of saving those who remain trapped alive beneath the tons of concrete from collapsed buildings.
The epicenter of the tragedy has a name: Caraballeda. In this parish, dozens of buildings have collapsed, while the few still standing display severe cracks and structural damage. Entire families and thousands of volunteers from across the country have converged on this ground zero—which includes neighborhoods such as Los Corales, Caribe, and Tanaguarenas—determined to lend their hands and their strength wherever they are needed.
Following the destruction, the parish’s main avenues became nearly impassable for cars. Motorcycles have taken over instead, with thousands making their way into the disaster zone carrying water, food, and medical supplies. However, this flood of two-wheeled vehicles has created an unexpected dilemma: the constant roar of engines interferes with rescue operations, drowning out possible cries for help and distracting search-and-rescue dogs.
“Turn off the motorcycles so we can hear the calls for help,” is the plea repeated over and over amid the ruins of each collapsed building.
Despite the goodwill of those arriving to help, the lack of coordination is overwhelming the area. Crowds gathering around the collapsed buildings are directly hindering rescue efforts. As of 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, no government agency had taken charge of organizing the distribution of humanitarian aid brought in by volunteers.
Compounding this institutional vacuum is a widespread lack of trust in the security forces. Fearing that donated supplies will not reach their intended recipients, volunteers insist on delivering aid directly into the hands of those affected, further intensifying the chaos at the epicenter of the catastrophe.
Rescue Equipment and Tools Are in Short Supply
There are so many collapsed buildings that professional rescue teams have been stretched beyond their capacity. Although firefighters and Civil Protection personnel remain on the ground, the shortage of trained responders has forced civilians to join the rescue efforts.
Without specialized equipment, family members and volunteers are moving tons of concrete, driven by the hope of finding someone alive—or, in the worst-case scenario, recovering the bodies of loved ones trapped beneath the rubble.
“We’re at least waiting for heavy machinery to help remove these tons of debris, and for professional experts. We need help for everyone. We’re going through a terrible time,” said Manari Tibisay Gamardo, who is hoping that four of her relatives can be rescued from the ruins of the OPP27 building in the Caribe neighborhood.
The Efecto Cocuyo team spoke with a group of rescuers from El Salvador working at the ruins of the Bahía Mar building.
“We’re conducting an assessment of the area. We can’t provide any figures at this time,” one of the rescuers explained.
Catia La Mar: Amid Rubble and Disorder
The parishes of Catia La Mar and Urimare, on the west side of La Guaira, also suffered severe damage to many of their buildings. In this part of the city, chaos and desperation prevail.
As in Caraballeda, rescue teams throughout other sectors of La Guaira are struggling to save lives. At some collapsed structures, the presence of professional rescuers is minimal. There, neighbors themselves are clearing debris on their own, assisted only by a handful of police officers and National Guard troops.
The emergency has also overwhelmed the Alfredo Machado Hospital, located on El Ejército Avenue in Catia La Mar, where the medical staff has been pushed beyond its limits.
One of the physicians on duty confirmed that, as of 4:40 p.m. Friday, the hospital had recorded at least 35 fatalities.
“We’re overwhelmed, but we’re doing everything possible to care for every patient who comes into the emergency room,” said the doctor, who requested anonymity.
In the absence of specialized equipment, the people of La Guaira are placing their hopes on international assistance. Many are anxiously awaiting the arrival of foreign rescue teams to reinforce the overwhelmed national response.
“I hope they get here quickly—we need them,” more than one affected resident pleaded.
First published in Spanish by Efecto Cocuyo and translated and posted in English by Havana Times.