Tragedy following earthquake in Colombia strikes families in the state of Sucre, Venezuela
The devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that recently struck Colombia has left a deep trail of pain in the state of Sucre, Venezuela. Various families in this coastal region are facing the uncertainty today of having no news about their missing loved ones and the difficult task of managing the repatriation of the deceased amidst an economic crisis and a lack of official support.
The fight for the repatriation of the victims
In the town of Arapo, reality turned tragic for the family of Petra María Gómez, a community leader who had emigrated to Cartagena seven years ago. After surviving a surgical procedure, the emotional shock caused by the earthquake triggered a fatal heart attack. Her cousin, Oriannis Rodríguez, recounted the financial ordeal involved in transporting her remains.
The day before the earthquake, she had been discharged after surgery. She was at home when the quake occurred and, due to the shock, she suffered a heart attack. We were able to pay the one thousand dollar advance required for the transfer, but we were left heavily in debt.
Oriannis Rodríguez, relative of the victim.Faced with the absence of state assistance, Rodríguez turned to community solidarity and social media campaigns to cover funeral expenses, finally achieving the return of the coffin to his homeland last Friday.
Uncertainty and precariousness in communications
The lack of official channels has turned digital platforms into the only lifeline for those seeking information. This is the case of Nieves Malavé, a resident of a rural area in El Pilar, who is living through days of anguish for her two children, aged 9 and 11, who are based in Pereira, one of the areas most affected by the natural disaster.
- Nieves faces serious connectivity limitations in her community, which forces her to constantly travel to the urban center.
- Power outages and the instability of telephone networks prevent the mother from maintaining fluid communication with the children’s father, after a brief initial message confirming that the three survived the initial impact.
Disaster toll in Colombia
The impact of the earthquake, whose epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, Chocó, has been catastrophic. According to the official report from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, the figures reflect a large-scale emergency:
- 294 confirmed deceased persons.
- 320 citizens still remain missing.
- 3,975 injured receiving medical attention.
- More than 102 thousand people affected and nearly 12,800 homes destroyed.
Alofoke Deportes will continue to follow this situation, highlighting the resilience of Venezuelan families who, despite geographical and economic barriers, remain united in the search for answers and justice for their loved ones.
