Caracas, Venezuela—— It’s been three weeks since two earthquakes struck Venezuela, leaving nearly 18,000 people homeless in one of the country’s worst tragedies in recent history.
According to data released by National Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodriguez, the disaster has caused 4,490 deaths and 16,740 injuries.
In response to the emergency, camps have been set up across the capital, Caracas, including in parks, public squares and schools to provide shelter to residents.
However, many complain that the situation is far from ideal, with the distribution of aid having been left to the Venezuelan government, which has been criticized for its poor response.
Directly across from the Ministry of Education in downtown Caracas, one of the city’s largest camps has sprung up in Plaza Juan Pedro López.
The 14,000 square meter venue is buzzing with activity.
Just after 6:00 pm on July 6, families began to set up tents in preparation for nightfall. Some people spread tarps to prevent rain from getting wet on the few items they salvaged from their homes, including those lucky enough to save a mattress.
Children were seen running around and playing to distract themselves from the dire situation their families were in. Aid groups at the camp have been organizing activities such as face painting and balloon twisting to help the children keep their heads above water.
Many camp residents are unhappy with current conditions.
Shop owner Stefany Hernández, 52, is worried about the drinking water supply. She believes water is being supplied less and less frequently and authorities are controlling the square too tightly – not allowing neighbors and organizations to provide aid directly to the displaced. (NGOs operating in the area told latin america report There are security issues with distributing aid in refugee camps).
“Now we have to humiliate ourselves – they only gave us enough water for two people. What should we drink here?” Hernandez said, pointing to a small container.
Poor sanitation and the potential for disease outbreaks are becoming greater concerns for health officials. Encampments often lack adequate bathrooms, and some residents say they are reluctant to use them for fear of getting sick.
“The restrooms are terrible,” Hernandez said, adding that she would rather risk using a restroom in a damaged home.
An estimated 885 to 70,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed, and thousands of Venezuelans like Hernandez are waiting for inspectors to check their homes to see if it’s safe to return.
“In my house, there were no cracks in the rooms — nothing — but there was a leak in the basement and they said the foundation had moved,” she said. Currently, she has packed all her belongings and is waiting for news about her home.
She also lamented that authorities had taken a greater role in distributing aid throughout the camp in recent days. In particular, in Hernandez’s view, authorities decide when and to whom aid is distributed.
“People bring tortillas early in the morning, and then the authorities distribute them when it’s cold,” she said. “We’re going through a difficult situation, but it’s not like this. More than one person has complained.”
Ruth Herrera, whose Urdaneta Avenue home was damaged by the earthquake and now spends her days on a bench in the square, told Latin America Report that aid, especially water, will be distributed as authorities see fit.
“I’m diabetic and need to drink a lot of water,” she said.
“People bring hot meals but they are not allowed to be distributed here. The authorities want them to stay up there and then be brought down at 2, 3 or 4 o’clock in the morning – how do people eat at that time? Especially children.”
The Administration of President Delcy Rodriguez defendant Oppose politicization of relief work. Within the camp, rumors are also circulating about who is providing rescue.
That’s what people said – the gringos will help us because Delcy Rodriguez has surrendered,” Herrera said.
As time goes by, the uncertainty makes the camp’s residents increasingly weary.
“We want to know what they’re going to do to us — we want them to inspect our building and see if we’re leaving or if they’re going to move us somewhere else,” Herrera said.
Stefany Hernández seemed to leave everything to fate: “I’m waiting for them to check my house, waiting for God to do his will – if the earthquake doesn’t kill me, I’ll go home.”
Featured image: A camp in Caracas for people displaced by the June 24 earthquake in Venezuela.
Photo credit: Julio Blanca, Latin America Report