People sat with what remained of their belongings on the streets of Caracas after homes were leveled by dual earthquakes. Each morning brings more darkness and despair.

Former policeman Jan Carlos Roa Garcia and his family slept rough. Their building is too dangerous to return to. “If I was 30 and not 50, then maybe. But I don’t know where to begin. No authority has contacted us,” he said, tears streaming.

Musician Zaira Castro openly criticized the government: “We’re frustrated because the government is not showing serious help. It’s us Venezuelans helping each other. We don’t depend on the government – it doesn’t exist for us anymore.”

In Chacao, interim President Delcy Rodriguez faced residents’ ire. One yelled: “You’re campaigning in the middle of a tragedy! The government isn’t doing anything for the people.”

The worst-hit coastal town La Guaira saw over 100 buildings flattened. “There are still people inside, we need machinery,” pleaded resident Eileen Lada. Rescue teams work around the clock, but hope is fading.

Hospitals along the coast are overwhelmed. A chronically underfunded healthcare system now faces a crisis. Survivors’ stories are chilling: “It was awful – so many died, so many missing. I lost my house completely,” said Maria Vargas from her hospital bed.

After earthquakes, the first 48 hours are crucial. Those have passed. This feels like the hardest moment in Venezuela’s modern history.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk