Caracas, Venezuela — It has been three weeks since twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, and nearly 18,000 people have been left homeless by one of the worst tragedies in the country’s recent history.
According to data released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, the disaster has left 4,490 dead and 16,740 injured.
In response to the emergency, camps have been set up in various parts of the capital Caracas — including in parks, public squares, and schools — to shelter residents.
However, many complain that conditions are far from ideal and that aid distribution has been left in the hands of Venezuela’s government, which has been criticized for its inadequate response.
Directly across from the Ministry of Education in downtown Caracas, one of the city’s largest encampments has sprung up in Plaza Juan Pedro López.
The 14,000 square meter site is buzzing with activity.
On July 6, just after 6:00PM, families begin popping their tents to prepare for nightfall. Some spread out tarps to keep the rain from wetting the few belongings they were able to salvage from their homes, including those lucky enough to have saved a mattress.
Children are seen running about and playing to distract themselves from the dire situation their families are in. Aid groups present in the camp have been organizing activities, such as face painting and balloon twisting to help keep young minds occupied.
Many of the camp’s residents are dissatisfied with the conditions.
Stefany Hernández, a 52-year-old shopkeeper, is concerned about the drinking water supply. She believes that water deliveries are becoming increasingly less frequent and that authorities’ control over the plaza is too strict — not allowing neighbors and organizations to hand out aid directly to displaced people. (NGOs operating in the area have told Latin America Reports that there are safety concerns regarding distributing aid in the camps).
“Right now, we have to humiliate ourselves — they give us just enough water for two people. What are we supposed to drink here?” Hernández said, pointing to a small container.
Poor sanitation and the potential for disease outbreaks are becoming a bigger concern for health officials. Camps often lack sufficient restrooms and some residents say they prefer not to use them for fear of getting sick.
“The restrooms are horrible,” said Hernández, adding that she prefers to risk using the restroom in her damaged home instead.
With estimates of between 885 up to 70,000 structures damaged or destroyed, thousands of Venezuelans, like Hernández, are waiting for inspectors to survey their homes to see if it’s safe to return.
“In my house, there are no cracks in the rooms—nothing at all—but there are leaks in the basement, and they say the foundation has shifted,” she said. For now, she’s gathered up all of her belongings and waits for news about her home.
She also lamented that authorities have taken a bigger role in distributing aid throughout the encampment in recent days. In particular, it seems to Hernández that authorities decide when and to whom aid is distributed.
“People bring arepas early in the morning, and then the authorities hand them out later when they’re cold,” she said. “We’re going through a difficult situation, but not like this. More than one person has complained.”
Ruth Herrera, whose home on Urdaneta Avenue was damaged in the quakes and now spends her days on a bench in the plaza, told Latin America Reports that aid — especially water — is distributed when authorities see fit.
“I’m diabetic and need to drink plenty of water,” she said.
“People bring hot meals, but they aren’t allowed to hand them out here. The authorities want them left up there, and then they bring them down at 2, 3, or 4 in the morning—how is anyone supposed to eat at that hour? Especially the children.”
President Delcy Rodriguez’s government has been accused by the opposition of politicizing relief efforts. Inside the camp, rumors are also swirling about who is providing relief.
That’s what people are saying—that the gringos are the ones who are going to help us because Delcy Rodríguez has already surrendered,” said Herrera.
As the days press on, the uncertainty becomes more and more exhausting for the camp’s inhabitants.
“We want to know what they’re going to do with us—we want them to inspect our buildings to see if we’re leaving or if they’re going to relocate us somewhere else,” Herrera said.
Stefany Hernández seems to be leaving it to fate: “I’m waiting for them to inspect my house and for God to do His will — and if the earthquake didn’t kill me, I’ll go back home.”
Featured image: Encampment of people displaced by Venezuela’s June 24 earthquakes in Caracas.
Image credit: Julio Blanca for Latin America Reports
