Venezuelan Earthquake Claims Thousands, Causes Heartbreak

Venezuelan-born woman shares her emotional response to devastating earthquakes that left thousands missing and many lives shattered.

A Venezuelan-born woman has expressed deep heartbreak after witnessing the extensive devastation caused by two earthquakes that struck Venezuela last month. Hortence Yagmur, who lives in Arborfield, Berkshire, reflected on the destruction of the building where she once resided as a baby in Caracas.

As of Thursday, the quakes on June 24 resulted in 2,595 confirmed deaths, with tens of thousands still unaccounted for. Yagmur revealed her family’s anxious wait to hear from their relatives near Caracas during the disruption of communication channels.

Feeling powerless from afar, she commented, “Being so far away you just feel almost guilty that you’re not there to help and you feel really powerless. It’s just heartbreaking to see videos [of the impact and devastation].” She highlighted the role of social media in spreading awareness, yet expressed frustration at her inability to do more than fundraise.

In response to the tragedy, Yagmur organized a fundraising Pilates session at Christchurch Meadows in Caversham, scheduled for Sunday at 10:30 BST. Proceeds will go to the Healing Venezuela charity.

Yagmur shared that many of her relatives live just outside Caracas and some in Spain; while those outside the capital have felt the repercussions of the earthquake, the devastation was not as fierce in their area. “A lot of my family are just outside Caracas,” she noted, adding more about their circumstances. “Even the ones outside Caracas have had the effects of the earthquake but just not as strong [as other areas]. So their buildings have cracks in some, some permanent damage.”

Stressing the importance of the situation, she described life in Venezuela as vibrant and welcoming despite ongoing political issues. “It’s just really beautiful, the beaches, the places, the people are so warm. They are always happy, they’re always lovely,” Yagmur stated.

Among the many affected, Hernán Gil was rescued after being trapped for eight days under the rubble of a collapsed building. Over 2,000 individuals have lost their lives, with search efforts ongoing as families desperately look for missing loved ones.

This tragic incident has not only devastated communities on the ground in Venezuela but has also left those with family ties around the world feeling helpless and grief-stricken.