Graphic testimonies abound on social networks about the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that were recorded in Venezuela this Wednesday. A religious celebration in La Guaira, the state most affected by both earthquakes, went from typical dances to despair in a matter of seconds.

The community of Naiguatá, parish of La Guaira, celebrated the cultural and religious festival of San Juan Bautista, with drums and red clothing, as well as scarves, caps and hats.

However, in just an instant fear took over their faces and they began to run, trying to prevent any structure from falling on them. Others looked up, lost, realizing that Venezuela was being hit by two earthquakes.

The festival of San Juan Bautista, in Naiguatá, is a three-day Afro-Catholic celebration (June 23 to 25), marked by the sound of the drum, mysticism and popular devotion.

The earthquakes occurred during the activities of the second day, specifically in the “reunion”, when upon leaving the temple, the saint is received by a crowd to the rhythm of the drum.

Read also: Earthquakes in Caracas: 'Venezuela Te Busca' platform created to locate missing persons

Building collapse after two earthquakes in 39 seconds

At least 164 people lost their lives and there are nearly a thousand injured, according to the most recent data released by interim president Delcy Rodríguez.

The disaster, which has left devastating images, caused the collapse of buildings, damage to critical infrastructure and an intense mobilization of emergency teams in several regions of the country.

According to reports based on data from the United States Geological Survey, the country recorded two earthquakes separated by just 39 seconds.

Delcy Rodríguez described the situation in La Guaira as a “true tragedy” and warned that the number of victims could increase as teams access the most affected areas.

The damage also affected communication routes, hospitals and transportation systems. The Maiquetía international airport, Caracas' main aviation institution, suspended operations, while several public services were interrupted preventively to avoid new accidents.

One of the most destructive earthquakes

Specialists point out that this is one of the most intense earthquakes recorded in Venezuela, despite the fact that one of the strongest was the Cariaco earthquake, which occurred on July 9, 1997, also in the state of Sucre. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warned that the magnitude of the event and the population density of the impacted areas could further aggravate the final toll of victims.

As aftershocks and rescue efforts continue, thousands of families face an emergency marked by loss of homes, uncertainty and pain. The international community has begun to offer humanitarian support in the face of one of the worst natural tragedies recently recorded in the country.

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