From Deportation to Disaster: Over 100 Venezuelans Missing After Deadly Quake

Caracas: Returning home was supposed to be a new beginning for Venezuelan citizens deported from the US, but within a few hours their lives turned into a horrific accident. 146 people who came from America were accommodated in a hotel after reaching the capital Caracas. Meanwhile, two consecutive powerful earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude shook the entire area. The greatest damage occurred in the La Guaira area, where a hotel also collapsed. According to officials, more than 1,700 people have died so far in the earthquake, while relief and rescue operations are continuing.

What happened to the people who returned from America?

According to flight tracking information from the human rights organization, a plane from Miami arrived in Caracas carrying 146 Venezuelans. These included 19 women and 7 children. After arrival, everyone was accommodated in a hotel under government arrangement, where they were to be sent to their respective homes the next day. But two powerful earthquakes that same night reduced the hotel to ruins.

How did eyewitnesses describe the horrifying scene?

Lisbeth Portillo, 58, was among those who somehow managed to get out of the debris. According to him, there were screams all around as soon as the hotel collapsed. People were running on the streets to save their lives. Many people came out without shoes and slippers and some were in a dejected state. Due to communication breakdown it became difficult to contact anyone. Some survivors later walked to the National Guard building, where they called their families.

What happened in the hotel before the earthquake?

Portillo said that after arriving in Caracas, all passengers underwent medical examinations and were given identification documents. After this he was sent to the hotel. She was staying with 16 women in a room on the second floor. Suddenly the building started shaking rapidly and within a few seconds the entire room started collapsing. The first shock was immediately followed by a second and more powerful earthquake, causing large portions of the hotel to collapse. She was buried under the beam, but somehow managed to get out.

What did other survivors say?

24-year-old Jenny Rodriguez said she was trapped under the debris. Somehow he put out his hand and attracted the attention of another person who had come from the same flight. With his help they were taken out safely. He described it as the scariest experience of his life.

Are there still many people missing?

Many families are still searching for their relatives. Some people say that their relatives had reached Venezuela on the same deportation flight, but there has been no trace of them since the earthquake. Relief teams are continuously removing debris and searching for people, while there is concern about the number of missing people.

How far has the relief operation reached?

According to the Venezuelan government, the death toll from the earthquake has exceeded 1,700. Thousands of people have been injured and a large number of people have been rendered homeless. Relief and rescue teams are continuing operations in the affected areas, although communications and basic services are still affected in many areas.