Demolitions Hamper the Quest to Find Venezuela’s Earthquake Victims

After June’s twin earthquakes, authorities in La Guaira began demolishing unstable buildings like OPPE 27 to reach rubble, a move aimed at clearing paths for rescue and rebuilding but drawing survivor frustration as bodies are recovered by hand and families still search for missing relatives, including a three‑year‑old nephew. With at least 6,125 dead and thousands missing, demolitions can unlock access to wreckage yet risk deterring displaced survivors who fear long‑term displacement; the government has launched reconstruction plans while shelters house tens of thousands and concerns grow about safety, violence, and accountability in the ongoing recovery.