Father Finds Daughter's Body in Rubble 20 Days After Venezuela Earthquakes

A father has located the body of his 14-year-old daughter, Mélani, among the debris of a collapsed building, 20 days after two earthquakes devastated La Guaira, Venezuela. Jan Carlo Barrios recounted his desperate search, expressing feelings of abandonment by authorities.

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They abandoned us, they left us alone.

Barrios described his methodical search, navigating the ruins of the apartment building where his daughter lived. He reconstructed a mental map of the apartments based on debris and clues, eventually pinpointing the location where he believed his daughter might be. He spoke of his faith, hoping to find her alive, but ultimately finding her remains.

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Here I should find my daughter, however God wants to give her to me, I am a man of faith.

His daughter was found trapped by a closet and a bathroom wall, suggesting she likely died instantly. Barrios asked relatives to identify her, preferring to retain his memory of her as a vibrant teenager who aspired to be a fashion designer.

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Unfortunately, this is very strong.

He recalled her wish for a sewing machine, a gift he couldn't provide due to recent economic hardships. The earthquakes have claimed over 4,900 lives, leaving many families still searching for loved ones and grappling with loss.

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By the Grace of God I was able to find her, I had hoped to find her alive, but it was not so.