At least 1,430 lives were lost when back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela's Caribbean coast last Wednesday, toppling hundreds of buildings and leaving tens of thousands missing. The Bello Monte mortuary in Caracas has become a focal point for grieving families, many of whom have gathered there hoping to identify their loved ones.
Camila Rodríguez, a psychology student offering emotional support at the mortuary, described the scene: 'Yesterday, the entire street was packed with people arriving with deceased relatives.' The facility has been overwhelmed by the influx of victims and their families.
Families Share Heartbreaking Stories
Marjorie Cedeño lost her mother, father, and brother in the disaster. Her brother, José Ruiz, 44, was identified through a photograph shown by forensic police, but her mother, Zoila Cedeño, 72, and father, Jacinto Ruiz, 74, remain buried under the rubble of Residencias Obelisco in Los Palos Grandes. 'When the earthquake started, my brother was just entering the building. We believe his instinct was to go inside and rescue my parents,' she said. She believes another 25 people remain trapped in the building's ruins.
Another woman, Belkis Cedeño, came to the mortuary seeking her sister-in-law, María Elena Moreno, 56, who lived in La Guaira, the worst-affected coastal region. Their building was completely destroyed, collapsing from 10 stories to the ground floor. Moreno was rescued alive but died after a false tsunami alert caused panic and delayed her transfer to hospital. 'When they finally transferred her to the hospital, she arrived dead,' Cedeño said.
Volunteers and Funeral Directors Step In
Edgar Hernández, former president of Venezuela's National Funeral Homes Association, said undertakers across the country donated more than 200 coffins, body bags, and other supplies. 'Many people have recovered bodies and transported them in their private vehicles to Bello Monte because it's less congested and easier to access than the mortuary in La Guaira, which has completely collapsed under the pressure of the emergency.'
Volunteers have been providing water, coffee, and trauma counselling outside the mortuary, contrasting with what many perceive as a sluggish government response. Experts blame years of underinvestment in emergency services and the sheer scale of the disaster.
Government Response and Public Anger
On Saturday, acting leader Delcy Rodríguez tried to comfort citizens, announcing that 33 people had been rescued alive. 'Every life means hope for Venezuela,' she tweeted, noting that an 11-year-old boy was found alive in Caraballeda. However, Rodríguez was heckled while touring a hard-hit area, with one critic shouting: 'The government isn't doing anything for the people!'
Hundreds of families have been camping on the streets in Caracas, too scared to return home. Tents, mattresses, and food have been delivered by volunteers. 'I thank God because Venezuelans have such enormous hearts,' Marjorie Cedeño said. 'There may be no government response, but there are so many good people helping.'
