Two powerful earthquakes tore through La Guaira, Venezuela, leaving over 1,450 people dead and thousands still missing. Four days later, rescuers from Venezuela and around the world are still digging through broken buildings, trying to pull out anyone who might be alive. Many families say the government showed up late and did too little, forcing regular people and foreign teams to take charge of the search. The destruction is massive. More than 770 buildings collapsed, turning whole neighborhoods into piles of dust and concrete. People wander through the ruins calling out names, hoping for a voice to answer back. Heat, dust, and the smell of death hang over the area. Anger has grown as some residents say officials took selfies at disaster sites instead of helping, while civilians worked with whatever they could find, even motorcycle helmets instead of hard hats. Still, there are moments that keep people going. A father and son were rescued on Sunday, proving that survivors can still be found. Over 2,200 international rescuers have arrived, and more continue to land even though the main airport is damaged. Aftershocks shake the region, but rescue teams refuse to stop. In the middle of all the loss, people are holding onto hope and helping each other in ways that feel stronger than any official response.
Residents walk among the rubble of building damaged in earthquakes the previous day in Catia La Mar, Venezuela, Thursday, June 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)