Venezuela Earthquake Leaves Thousands Homeless in Coastal Community of Caraballeda

A devastating earthquake has left around 17,000 survivors homeless in Caraballeda, a coastal community on Venezuela’s Caribbean shore where wealthy yacht owners and residents of public housing once lived side by side. The powerful tremors destroyed homes within seconds, affecting people across social and economic backgrounds who shared the same streets and views of the region’s beaches.

Many residents who were at home or enjoying a holiday on June 24 were caught in the disaster as buildings collapsed following the violent shaking. The official death toll has risen above 3,500, while thousands of survivors are now facing the challenge of finding shelter and rebuilding their lives.

The displaced residents are depending on the Venezuelan government for assistance, despite criticism over its handling of previous crises and concerns about the politicization of housing policies. Many survivors remain uncertain about where they will live and whether they will receive permanent homes after the disaster.