La Guaira earthquake recovery: Demolitions and vigils mark 100 days

One hundred days after twin earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck the coastal state of La Guaira, Venezuela, authorities and survivors continue to grapple with the aftermath. On October 3, the Directorate of Weapons and Explosives (DAEX) conducted a controlled demolition of the Residencias Medusa in Tanaguarena, Caraballeda. This marks the twelfth building with a ‘red label’ to be destroyed due to irreparable structural damage caused by the June 24 seismic events.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello supervised the operation. Authorities reported that approximately 50% of debris has been cleared from affected zones. The disaster has resulted in over 6,500 deaths and left thousands of families homeless, severely impacting the regional economy and local commerce.

In a separate commemorative event organized by the NGO Venezuela Te Ayuda Foundation, approximately 400 people gathered in Caraballeda for a vigil titled ‘Haz de Luz’ (Beam of Light). The ceremony honored the victims and the disappeared, featuring white candles and a beam of light directed toward the ruins of collapsed buildings.