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🇻🇪 Venezuela /Disasters & Emergencies

Broken glass and screams: how three blind Venezuelans experienced Caracas' double earthquake

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • Three blind podcast companions in Caracas described their experiences during Venezuela's double earthquake on June 24.
  • Álvaro, Abdiel, and Alejandra recounted hearing breaking glass, falling debris, and screams, guided by a Google earthquake alert.
  • Despite the chaos and damage to buildings, all three managed to exit their homes safely and without injury.

The ground shook violently in Caracas on June 24, triggering a double earthquake that rattled Venezuela. For Álvaro, Abdiel, and Alejandra, three blind friends and podcast collaborators, the experience was a symphony of breaking glass, falling debris, and panicked screams.

We heard glass breaking, the ground moving, pieces of wall falling, and screams, above all screams.

— ÁlvaroDescribing the initial moments of the earthquake.

An unexpected Google earthquake alert preceded the tremors. Each friend was in their own home when the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes struck around 6 p.m. Álvaro, 30, relied on his hearing to navigate the chaos, seeking shelter under a table while trying to calm his mother. Abdiel, 24, prioritized finding his autistic brother, who also has a disability, before seeking safety. Alejandra, 27, heard her aunt's urgent calls to evacuate but was advised by her uncle to stay put.

I didn't have time to leave. I activated my senses. I needed to hear if something was falling.

— ÁlvaroExplaining his immediate reaction to the shaking.

Despite the terrifying moments, all three blind individuals managed to leave their homes unharmed. Álvaro emphasized the importance of preparedness for future natural events. Abdiel described his house's layout by memory to find his brother. Alejandra recalled the intense anxiety of not knowing the status of loved ones after the shaking stopped.

I was going to get under the table, but I couldn't because my brother has a disability, he has autism, and I had to find him.

— AbdielRecounting his priority during the earthquake.

The experience highlighted their resilience and deep knowledge of their surroundings. The friends, who lead a podcast together, shared their harrowing accounts with EFE news agency, underscoring the unique challenges and strengths involved in navigating such disasters without sight.

Get out, get out!

— Alejandra's auntShouting from outside the house during the earthquake.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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