In the aftermath of Venezuela's double earthquake on June 24, residents in the hardest-hit areas are anxiously awaiting the arrival of experts to inspect their damaged homes. The quakes, which claimed more than 3,600 lives, have left nearly 18,000 people homeless. Engineers and architects are evaluating homes in low-income neighborhoods, determining which are safe, need repairs, or must be evacuated.
Awaiting Inspections
Morela Luna, a 23-year-old geography student, anxiously awaits the inspection of her partially collapsed home in the La Lucha neighborhood of Catia la Mar, La Guaira state. Luna, who was rescued by neighbors after the quakes, lives with her husband and four-year-old son. 'I still think this is a nightmare. I wish I could rebuild my house. I grew up here and I don't want to lose it,' she says.
Damage Assessment
Homes in the La Lucha neighborhood, built by residents, are being marked with green, yellow, or red stickers based on their condition. Green indicates safety, yellow signals needed repairs, and red means evacuation due to danger. Luna's house is among those too dangerous to enter.
Community Impact
Nearby, 65-year-old Juana Alfonzo remains in her damaged home despite visible cracks and sunken floors. She and her relatives sleep in tents in the yard, fearing further collapses. Alfonzo is confident her house can be salvaged, unaware that inspection determined it unsafe due to compromised columns.
Government Response
A presidential commission, led by Minister of Transportation Francisco Garces, is organizing workshops for engineers and architects to inspect damaged buildings. Garces reports around 6,000 assessments have been conducted, with repair and rehabilitation phases to follow. New homes are being built for those whose houses were completely destroyed.
Community Concerns
In Los Palos Grandes, a middle-class neighborhood in Caracas, residents are dismayed by red signs on their buildings. Some question the inspections' validity, fearing demolition. Gustavo Duque, mayor of Chacao, clarifies that red signs do not necessarily imply demolition but require technical review for potential repairs.
