La Guaira, Venezuela – As rescue workers continue to dig through the rubble of the collapsed, crowded public housing block, which local residents say could unofficially house up to 900 people, a team of volunteers has set up a high-tech emergency response camp.
Equipped with floodlights, refrigerators, tents, aid collection points and even a medical clinic, the camp provides a lifeline for rescue teams, survivors and families of missing people following the devastating earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24.
This task is handled by Carolina Vivas, a specialist logistics specialist with experience helping NGOs mobilize emergency response. Arriving in the devastated La Guaira suburb of Tanaguarenas the weekend after the earthquake, she found that few reinforcements had arrived. Most aid did not pass through Caravaleda, a neighborhood further east and closer to Caracas.
“When I got here, I knew we could do a lot to help,” Vivas said. “I knew I could get energy, food, and medication with my family and friends.”
Outside the makeshift camp, Vivas points to an area with tables lined with blue tarps and disinfectants. “This is a disinfection area. Everyone must wash themselves thoroughly before entering.”
Vivas arranged for doctors and nurses to come to the camp to help with rescue efforts or provide primary care to thousands of people waiting for news about their families.
“What I was doing was going to the doctor. I go and check it out every day.”
One of the most common illnesses they treat is heat stroke. Because rescue teams dig all day long under the blazing Caribbean sun. A refrigerator stocked with cold water and electrolyte drinks provides potentially life-saving support. Survivors rescued from the wreckage also need oxygen and first aid.
“It was really, really hard because every moment was an emergency,” Vivas explained.
Essential to this operation is the charity of ordinary Venezuelans. Every day, dozens of people arrive to deliver groceries, water and medicine.
“The people are amazing, they help us and provide for us every day,” Vivas said.
She has a WhatsApp group on her phone with other organizers who send photos and ID numbers of volunteers holding the relief supplies they have brought. “This way we ensure people don’t bring the same items here twice so they can get help in other areas as well.”
Twelve days after the earthquake, hopes of finding survivors have diminished, but families are still anxiously waiting to collect the bodies of their loved ones.
Andreina Rey lost her daughter and two grandchildren when the earthquake struck. For nearly two weeks she slept on the streets waiting for a proper burial for them.
“All I want is to get them out of there. That’s all I want. Right now, all I want to do is get them out of there. I’m not leaving here. I’m not going to budge until I get them out of there,” she said. Latin America Report.
The camp’s team of volunteers are working day and night to support recovery efforts and give people like Andreina the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved ones.
“I’m not leaving because I want to continue helping the families I met. That’s why I’m still here,” Vivas said.
Featured image caption: Remains of the OPP25 public housing building that collapsed during the June 24 earthquake.
Featured image credit: Alfie Pannell
