La Guaira: A Ghost Town Ravaged by Earthquake and Looters

La Guaira, once a tranquil seaside town, now stands as a symbol of Venezuela's tragedy after a devastating earthquake four days ago. The quake literally split roads, leaving the coastline choked with debris from hundreds of collapsed buildings. What remains of hotels and apartment complexes, once named for Caribbean paradises, are now shattered signs or piles of steel and masonry.

Adding to the desperate situation, reports of looting have emerged. Described as "jackals" scavenging through the rubble, criminals are stealing everything from clothing to safety deposit boxes. These individuals often pose as volunteers or rescuers to gain access to cordoned-off areas, operating both day and night.

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They often pose as volunteers or rescuers, so they can enter the cordoned-off areas. They are active not only at night, when it is dangerous to go out, but also during the day, in broad daylight.

The impoverished neighborhoods are primary targets, forcing residents to become their own private security. "Some people came on motorcycles and entered our homes," recounted a woman in Catia La Mar, one of the hardest-hit areas. "When we approached, we found them trying on clothes from inside the apartments. I wonder how it's possible to take advantage of such a tragedy for personal gain."

Destroyed or damaged shops are also targets for looters, with armed security now a common sight outside closed establishments. Four days after the disaster, La Guaira faces one of the country's greatest tragedies. The "sea of Caracas," a popular second-home destination, has become a ghost town. Streets are impassable with debris, buildings have pancaked, and tents of displaced people fill public spaces. The remnants of past lives, from soccer ball balloons to hotel rooms, are exposed amidst the ruins.

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A few days ago, some people came on motorcycles here and entered our homes. When we approached, we found them trying on clothes from inside the apartments. I wonder how it's possible to take advantage of such a tragedy for personal gain.